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Suu Kyi Sustained Head Injury

The Irrawaddy

June 04, 2003-Informed sources monitoring the situation in Burma said today that opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi may have been injured in the clash at Ye-Oo last Friday.

"The initial reports of Suu Kyi's head injury look to be true," said a source in Rangoon.

The National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Suu Kyi is being kept in secret location. Citing diplomatic sources, Reuters reported that Suu Kyi was being kept in a special military guest house on Inya Road, one of Rangoon's wealthiest residential areas.

The BBC reported that she was in Mingaladon Military Hospital, but assurances from the military maintain that she was never harmed. Burma's military generals remain tight-lipped about where Suu Kyi and other party members are being held.

More alarmingly, there is concern for the NLD Vice Chairman Tin Oo. Now aged 76, Tin Oo is also missing and some opposition sources are fearing the worst. They claim injuries to his head were severe.

Opposition sources say Tin Oo was last seen being taken away by riot police on Friday. Since then, his whereabouts and well-being could not be verified. Phone lines at his house were cut on the weekend.

Tin Oo was the army chief of staff in Gen Ne Win's government. He joined the NLD after the democratic uprising in 1988 and nearly always accompanies Suu Kyi on political trips outside Rangoon.

Other NLD leaders remain under house arrest and cannot be contacted. [Top]

Worldwide Condemnation of Burmese Junta

The Irrawaddy

June 04, 2003-The decision by Burma's military authorities to arrest Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters has drawn criticism from leaders around the world who were banking on reconciliation in Burma. Here is a selection of what the world has been saying.

"The military authorities should release Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters immediately, and permit her party headquarters to reopen S¼ We have urged Burmese officials to release all political prisoners and to offer their people a better way of life, a life offering freedom and economic progress." George W. Bush, US President

"We should let the Myanmar [Burmese] authorities come and use Asean channels to tell us what is happening. Bear in mind, Myanmar is our member. You cannot go in and tell your family member you cannot do this, you cannot do that." Ong Keng Yong, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

I hope that they will not choose this path of keeping in prison the general-secretary of NLD [National League for Democracy]. It will be extremely difficult to try to continue supporting growing engagement instead of isolation. Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, UN human rights envoy to Burma

"This repressive behavior confirms the regime's lack of interest in the return to democracy. It will most certainly reinforce the European Union's resolve to stick to the current policy of sanctions against the military regime. " Javier Solana, High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy for the EU

"The junta's latest actions are a desperate attempt by a decaying regime to stall freedom's inevitable progress in Burma and across Asia," he said. "They will fail, as surely as Aung San Suu Kyi's campaign for a free Burma will one day succeed." Senator John McCain, an Arizona Republican and chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee

"The Thai government should revoke its policy of friendship towards Myanmar. It should halt its policy of providing gas worth 36 baht million each year with no strings attached, it should put a halt to assistance in road-building, and exchange this for cooperation in discussions for peace in Myanmar." Senator Kraisak Choonhavan, chairman of a Thai Senate Committee

"Over the past few weeks I have been alarmed by persistent, credible reports that groups supported by the military regime have been inciting local people into protests against the NLD." Mike O'Brien, British Foreign Office Minister

"I think this is all part of a consistent plan and program by the military regime to shut down the NLD and to prevent Aung San Suu Kyi for further travel out of Rangoon. She's just attracting too much support every time she travels out of Rangoon, and this is extremely threatening to the regime." Debbie Stothard of the Bangkok-based Altsean (The Alternative Asean Network on Burma)

"There can be no justification for the continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters and I urge that they be released immediately." Alexander Downer, Australian Foreign Minister

"Canada deplores these latest detentions, and calls on the . . . authorities to immediately release Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues. I also urge the authorities to investigate the attack on her convoy that coincided with her detention, and to identify those responsible." Bill Graham, Canadian Foreign Minister

"[The events] underline the urgent need for national reconciliation in Myanmar [Burma]." Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General

"The government needs to stop persecuting its critics and start serious talks about making the transition to a rights-respecting member of the international community." Brad Adams, Human Rights Watch

"A democratic solution, a solution through dialogue, is needed. I don't think the current situation is good. We urge a solution through dialogue." Yasuo Fukuda, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary

"The authorities must institute a full and independent investigation into alleged grave human rights violations that occurred on 30 May 2003 and bring suspected perpetrators to justice. The whereabouts and fate of members of the political opposition who are reportedly missing must be made publicly immediately." Amnesty International (Official statement)

"There is no question that the military are the ones that have the political power, and the military power. They are the ones that must bear the responsibility for any incident. Whoever might have caused it, however it might have started is quite irrelevant, since they are the ones who have the control." Prof David Steinberg, Georgetown University

"Even though the arrest and detention is an internal affair for Myanmar, the human rights and dignity of Aung San Suu Kyi must be upheld S¼ they should treat her with honor." Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister

"I think the whole world is concerned and the Burmese government understands this. They will have to do something to bring everything back to normal as soon as possible." Thaksin Shinawatra, Thai Prime Minister

"Because the economy in Myanmar is pretty bad, if they allow Suu Kyi to continue, it could lead to an uprising, so the junta decided to stop her." Somchai Homla-or of the Bangkok-based human rights group Forum-Asia

"I understand that these events have followed weeks of rising tension between her supporters and the regime. There have been frequent reports of SPDC interference and harassment, culminating in a violent clash on Friday which left people dead." Phil Goff, New Zealand Foreign Minister

"The arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and the nationwide crackdown on the democracy movement provides ample evidence that this dictatorship is not serious about reform. This is one of the most brutal dictatorships in the world, responsible for massacres, torture, use of rape as a weapon of war and ethnic cleansing. Despite this all we get from Britain and other EU members are fine words and small gestures but no effective action. Frankly, it's pathetic." John Jackson, Burma Campaign UK

"Things looked good for a while S¼ I really don't know what happened there, but now maybe it is moving some steps backward." Rafidah Aziz, Malaysian Trade Minister

[Top]

History Repeats: Attacks on Democracy in Burma

June 04, 2003-The clash in Sagaing Division last Friday was certainly not the first time the Burmese military has cracked down on political demonstrations in the country. Over the past 15 years, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has toured the country, taking a message of democracy with her. In response, Burma's apprehensive generals have used military might to contain growing anti-government sentiment. The following is a chronology of some of the clashes between the military and the National League of Democracy since the pro-democracy uprising in 1988.

August 1988-Thousands are killed in anti-government riots around the country. August 8, 1988 is etched in history as Burma's darkest hour when soldiers with automatic rifles attack crowds of unarmed demonstrators in the capital, Rangoon.

April 3, 1990-In the town of Danubyu, Irrawaddy Division, six soldiers kneel in a line in front of Suu Kyi and supporters as they are marching peacefully with banners. With rifles, the soldiers are ready to fire but Suu Kyi acts quickly to avoid bloodshed. She tells all her supporters to move aside and soon she is the only one in the line of fire. Fortunately for Suu Kyi, a captain tells the armed soldiers to retreat.

July 19, 1989-Martyrs' Day, the national commemoration day for the assassination of Suu Kyi's father and independence hero, Aung San. There are plans for a peaceful pro-democracy march in Aung San's honor. But as the military steps up security in the capital, Suu Kyi realizes the demonstration needs to be called off to prevent violence and bloodshed. She decides to honor her father's death by a private visit to his grave site, but truckloads of soldiers are already standing by. They storm into Suu Kyi's home and announce she is under arrest. Her house is raided, phone lines cut. More than 2000 democracy supporters are detained in prisons around the city. Other party officials are also rounded up.

July 10, 1995-Suu Kyi is released from house arrest. Her time in detention falls nine days short of six years.

Nov 9, 1996-In Rangoon, a group of 200 people attack Suu Kyi's motorcade with sticks and bars. The people are from the Union Solidarity Development Association (USDA), a junta-sponsored social organization with millions of members. For many people in Burma, membership of the USDA is made compulsory by the Burma's ruling military.

Mid-1997-Riot police trying to prevent a meeting between Suu Kyi and members of her political party scuffle with a dozen of her supporters in Rangoon. As Suu Kyi's motorcade approach the Mayangon office of the National League for Democracy, about a dozen of her supporters rush past police barricades toward her white sedan. Police move, in wielding batons, but what transgressed after that remains unclear as other NLD members, journalists and local residents were pushed away from the scene.

May 27, 1998-Hundreds of supporters gather at Suu Kyi's home to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the 1990 landslide election victory, which the military never recognized. The gathering comes days after an official warning no to celebrate the milestone, but there is no reprimand from the government. A few weeks later, more crowds gather at Suu Kyi's home to celebrate her birthday. Security officials reluctantly let the supporters into her compound, checking their names on entry.

June 26, 1998-Authorities block university students who arrive at Suu Kyi's house for a regular reading session. Military commanders are told to hit NLD members and Suu Kyi herself is injured. The road to her home is blocked for days.

July 7, 1998-Suu Kyi and other NLD members traveling by car to Pegu Division are stopped by the military just outside Rangoon. Thirty soldiers are called in and as the NLD members in the car refuse to budge, the soldiers lift up the car and turn it round in the direction of the capital. Defiant, Suu Kyi and those accompanying her remain in the car overnight. Another warning is issued to Suu Kyi and the party on July 10.

July 19, 1998-A NLD vehicle is stopped again, this time on a trip to visit supporters in Irrawaddy Division. Barricades are placed around Suu Kyi's car. During another attempt to leave the capital on July 23, her vehicle is stopped again, but she remains in the car for six days. On July 27, a government statement dismisses Suu Kyi's actions on July 19 and 23 as publicity stunts, supported by foreign embassies.

Aug 12, 1998-On route to Bassein, Suu Kyi is stopped again. This time she remains in her stationery vehicle for 13 days. The SPDC says its restrictions on Suu Kyi's travel is for her own good, as they are protecting the pro-democracy leader from threats posed by Karen separatists.

Aug 24, 2000-Suu Kyi, party vice-chairman Tin Oo and 14 others from the NLD are stopped at Dala Township, outside Rangoon. The convoy was told to turn back, but Suu Kyi refused and she remained there for nine days before being handcuffed and taken back to her home in Rangoon. Her phone lines were cut and her compound padlocked. Restrictions ease after a week or so, but when diplomats visited her on Sept 14, they report she is noticeably thinner.

Sept 22, 2000-NLD leaders are placed under virtual house arrest. SPDC officials seize on Suu Kyi, Tin Oo and other party officials at Rangoon railway station before they can board a train bound for the northern city of Mandalay.

May 6, 2002-Suu Kyi is released from 19 months of house arrest, after weeks of rumor and anticipation. At a press conference Suu Kyi confirmed that now: "There are no restrictions on my movement. I can go wherever I like." Analysts are skeptical about how much freedom the pro-democracy leader will be given but government spokesperson Col Hla Min told a reporter: "[The Burmese government] will sort of cooperate because she is a prominent person. The government is responsible for her security." There were no other official statements or news about the opposition leader's release. The junta did however release a statement, "Turning of a New Page" that was vague on details. "As we look forward to a better future, we will work toward greater international stability and improving the social welfare of our diverse people," the statement said.

Nov 26, 2002-The NLD lodges an official complaint after local military intelligence (MI) officers reportedly harassed party leader Suu Kyi while she was visiting supporters in Shan State. She reopened party offices in both southern and northern areas of the state, but most of the trouble took place in the North. A military intelligence vehicle sped up to videotape Suu Kyi's car in a convoy from Taunggyi to Maymyo. As the van rushed to get ahead of the convoy, one of the NLD escort motorcycles fell and crashed on the roadside. Earlier in the town of Muse, government officers had reportedly banned people on motorcycles from going out to see Suu Kyi. Restrictions meant only around 200 supporters gathered to see her. Intelligence officers barely gave Suu Kyi a moment's peace. U Lwin told The Irrawaddy they even taped her while in the restroom. "She told authorities that it wasn't appropriate, but they continued." However 50,000 supporters welcomed Suu Kyi when she arrived in the town of Kyaukme.

Dec 16, 2002-In the Arakan capital, Sittwe, Suu Kyi was greeted by both supporters and security forces. NLD party spokesman said: "There were around 25 soldiers guarding every junction of Sittwe." Local police, fire brigades and members of the USDA were said to be working together to interfere with Suu Kyi's trip and intimidate locals.

Dec 18, 2002-In a defiant stand, Aung San Suu Kyi surprised thousands of onlookers by leaping out of her car and rushing aboard a fire truck that had been called to disperse a crowd of supporters. An estimated 20,000 were present at Mrauk-Oo Township, 535 kilometers west of Rangoon in Arakan State, and edgy riot police were preparing to clear the crowd with fire hoses when Suu Kyi stepped up on the truck. But Mrauk-Oo looked like a ghost town when Suu Kyi first arrived. Local government authorities had warned people against coming to see the NLD leader.

April 3, 2003-Suu Kyi and Tin Oo head off to Chin State, in Burma's northwest. NLD officials anticipate trouble and harassment after reports of anti-NLD pamphlets being circulated in towns she is due to visit. This 10-day trip is the sixth political tour she has taken since her release from house arrest. The next day, there are reports of Suu Kyi being harassed on her journey from Rangoon to Pwintphyu. In the town of Aunglan, the local fire brigade blared out loud music to drown out speeches. That also happened in Taungdwingyi and Minbu. They arrived in Pwintbyu later that afternoon to a welcoming crowd of around 2,000 people. The fire brigade was out in force again, this time using prayer chants and trying to divert her supporters away with invites to say prayer at a nearby monastery.

April 14, 2003-The NLD denies allegations that its youth members had broken laws while in Chin State with Suu Kyi. The junta accuses the NLD of creating a scuffle with photographers who were trying to take the leader's photograph. Suu Kyi says her trip to Chin State was a success and thanks the large crowds who defied government orders to come out and support her.

May 6, 2003-Suu Kyi sets off for Kachin State in Burma's north, her first chance to visit the state since 1989. The Kachin State National Congress for Democracy (KNCD) welcomed her visit, pledging faith and support for the NLD leader. The KNCD, like the NLD, won seats in the 1990 election but parliament and democratic government was denied by the military. Her visit to Kachin State, where she will re-open party offices and meet supporters is just one leg of a one-month trip, her longest trip since her release. In the towns she visits along the way in Mandalay and Sagaing divisions, throngs of supporters come to meet her, despite vigilant warnings from military authorities.

May 10, 2003-The Oslo-based Democratic Voice of Burma reports: "Brig-Gen Than Tun, an SPDC spokesman, admitted to news correspondents today that for the sake of security and stability they have told the supporters to refrain from coming out in large numbers and shouting and carrying posters to welcome her to town."

May 14, 2003-Suu Kyi and other NLD members in the convoy arrived in Phakant, Kachin State and raise a party signboard in the town. Authorities are reportedly restricting her group's use of the telephone and movements are becoming increasingly difficult to follow.

May 16, 2003-News agencies report that Suu Kyi has encountered a 300-strong pro-junta group in the Kachin capital, Myitkyina. From Rangoon, party spokesman U Lwin says the protest staged by USDA members is the "most serious" incident on this trip so far. USDA officers were reportedly carrying catapults and small metal objects, U Lwin said.

May 22, 2003-According to reports, the "whole town" of Mogok in Kachin State comes out to welcome Suu Kyi and her entourage. U Lwin says it took the convoy around two hours to get through crowds, enter the city and reach the place they were staying.

May 26, 2003-U Lwin says a pro-junta group threatened Suu Kyi and supporters and hurled a brick at her car. As she was passing through central Burma on her return to the capital, USDA members reportedly threatened to run over the supporters that had lined the streets to greet her. "Run for your lives or you will have to pick up your own corpses," U Lwin said the USDA members shouted at crowds through loudspeakers in Kyidauk Pauk village, near Mandalay. U Lwin said 100 people, many of them wielding sticks, knives and catapults also intimidated the supporters. One NLD member received a head injury.

May 29, 2003-Crowds of supporters from across central Burma come to meet her at Monywa, Sagaing Division. Reuters reports on Friday that military leaders sent reporters a statement saying: "Responsible government officials had to warn the NLD to understand the people, avoid startling them, causing commotion among them." NLD officials say that dozens of monks were protecting Suu Kyi in Monywa against a growing force of pro-junta supporters.

May 30, 2003-A clash involving NLD supporters and junta-organized USDA members takes place in Ye-Oo, Sagaing Division not far from Mandalay. The military says 4 were killed and 50 injured, but no one is able to verify reports. Suu Kyi and 13 others are taken into "protective custody". All senior NLD officials are placed under house arrest, party offices are closed and their phone lines are cut.

June 1, 2003-The rest of the world slowly gets word of the clash in Burma. Stories remain sketchy. The junta refuses to release detailed information about the casualties and about where the arrested NLD members are being held. The UN Secretary General is one of the first to express his concern at the events in Burma.

June 4, 2003-Speculation continues to build. Despite earlier assurances from the military, sources say Suu Kyi and Tin Oo were injured at Ye-Oo. Schools and universities were closed on Monday. Exiled democracy groups like the Free Burma Coalition and National Coalition Government for the Union of Burma speculate that dozens were killed. [Top]

News Reports Say Suu Kyi Injured

By Kevin R. Manning

June 04, 2003-Aung San Suu Kyi was hurt in Friday's clash in Upper Burma, according to news reports released today. The ruling junta emphatically maintains that Suu Kyi did not suffer any injuries.

Zin Linn, a director of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, told the Washington Post that Suu Kyi sustained a head wound and a broken arm after being beaten by a bamboo pole during the violence last Friday. He described the attackers as members of the pro-junta Union Solidarity Development Association, security forces and criminals. According to an eyewitness report released yesterday by Radio Free Asia, assailants charged several hundred NLD supporters and Suu Kyi's entourage with bamboo stakes between two and three feet long.

Even some of the assailants were shocked by the cruelty of the beatings received by pro-opposition members, said Zin Linn. The article stated that "it was not possible to independently confirm Linn's account."

A non-Burmese source outside the country was also interviewed by the Washington Post. The unnamed source said he believed Suu Kyi was injured and is being held at a military hospital in Rangoon.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) also reported today that Suu Kyi was hurt. AFP cited witnesses which said shards of glass caused injuries to her face and shoulder.

Burma's Deputy Foreign Minister Khin Maung Win met with diplomats at a closed-door briefing yesterday and reiterated that foreign media reports about Suu Kyi's injuries were untrue. [Top]