Aung San Suu Kyi: True Hero
A few weeks back the New Statesman had a poll to find the top, non–deceased, 'Heroes of our time'. How refreshing that such a poll would come up with Aung San Suu Kyi at the top. The link above is one of the articles leading up to the publication. The actual list isn't in their 'free–to–view" section of the website. Hwever, on it is a section on Aung San Suu Kyi, and the justification of nominating her.
Ms Suu Kyi has been under house arrest in Burma (the military junta like to call it Myanmar) for 10 of the last 16 years. Quite horrific when you consider that the initial 'crime' was winning a landslide election victory in 1990.
This week, Kofi Annan and the UN urged the Burmese to release its political prisiners immediately (link), which came after the surprising news that the Burmese authority have released Su Su Nway, an activist, who campaigns against, specifically, the use of forced labour in the country.
According to the UN envoy to Burma:
"[The release of activists] will be critical in facilitating national reconciliation and democratic transition, to which the Myanmar leadership has committed itself"
Commited itself? Hardly. I'm sorry if I'm not so convinced after only last month Aung San Suu Kyi's detention was extended to yet another year.
09 Jun 2006 15:37
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Tags: Burma
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I remember talking about these types of arrests at the start of the year in our first society meeting. That seems like so long ago now – it is a shame for those people – and I share your scepticism about if anything will ever be done to let him out.
on a more possitive note – I saw a copy in Costies of the New Statesmen – was Mrs. Thatcher on the list too? God, she was great… it's a shame not all leaders can be like that
09 Jun 2006, 17:40
FYI, Aung San Suu Kyi is a woman… but I'll assume it was a typo to save your embarassment..
There were a few, shall I say, surprising entries in the list, amongthem, Maggie, Tony and the Queen! Very odd for the readership of a genuine left–leaning, republican magazine.
These was supplemnted by the 'true' heroes (for the left), with Suu Kyi coming first and Brian Haw, the parliament square peace protester, being up there, among many others. It remember better, but I can't find that particular issue in my room.
09 Jun 2006, 19:11
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