Saffron Revolution 1st anniversary focuses on human rights for Burma

Dr Kaye who is also the President of the Australian Coalition for Democracy in Burma, said: "More than 700 monks, nuns and other protestors remain in appalling conditions in gaol for exercising their fundamental right to protest.
 
"One year ago the Burmese military displayed the violence and brutality for which they are rightly infamous.
 
"Having driven the country to the edge of economic collapse, the only way the dictatorship could maintain control was by intimidating the country into submission with beatings, arbitrary arrests and systematic torture.
 
"In late September 2007, hundreds of thousands of monks, nuns, activists and ordinary citizens turned out in peaceful protest against the regime on the streets of Rangoon and many other cities and towns throughout Burma. 
 
"At least 31 protesters were killed and 3,000 arrested, including 18 elected MPs and many monks and nuns. Monasteries were invaded and ransacked and monks beaten and tortured.
 
"One year on the world must not turn its back on the plight of the Burmese.
 
"The anniversary commemorations today refocus the world's attention onto the need to maintain the pressure on the military dictatorship.
 
"We are calling for the parliament that was elected in 1990 to convene and oversee the process of national reconciliation and the withdrawal of the military from politics.
 
"The democratic spirit of the Burmese people remains unbroken. With the international community's help, the country can once again be free," Dr Kaye said.
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455
 
Media Alert: Sydney 1st Anniversary of the Saffron Revolution Event
12:30 pm; Saturday 27 September 2008
Rally at Sydney Town Hall with march to Hyde Park Water Fountain