Date: April 7, 2003

His Excellency:

A very rare and courageous protest in defiance of brutal military rule took place in front of the British Embassy in Rangoon, Burma last Friday, April 4, 2003. Media has reported that in the crack down of the protest, Buddhist monk U Nanda-wunta, one of the protestors, was arrested by the local police force and one, or perhaps more, ran into the British Embassy in an attempt to escape from the arrest. As of this writing, thanks to officials of the British Embassy in Rangoon, that protestor(s) is not yet transferred to the military government. Obviously, the life of a person who believes in democracy and freedom is at risk and depends on the decision that the British Embassy has to make.

It is indisputable that the military dictatorship of Burma, since its inception, has continuously and systematically crushed democratic forces using the most brutal ways possible. Thousands of lives have been destroyed, thousands still being tortured behind bars for their political beliefs and millions live in poverty under the inhumane and merciless government. Considering the level and intensity of hardship and fear imposed on the civilians, the last protest was indeed an extraordinary incident—a direct outcome of a burning desire to be free and a deep passion for democracy and humanity.

In our history, students and monks have always participated in non-violent protests from the front line against the brutal regime. As a result, our heroes have been arrested and punished by the dictators beyond our imagination. Now, without a doubt, the military government will want that protestor and try every way to get him arrested. News had spread around the globe, and so has concern.

We, the Free Burma Coalition New York, like many thousands who believe in the value of freedom and democracy, are extremely concerned with the fate of the protestor being taken care of by the British Embassy. We also believe that the British Government—a leading advocate of democracy and human rights—will not let an innocent person perish under dictatorship especially when it has the opportunity to save him.

With all respect, we insist that you NOT transfer the protestor into the hands of dictators. Please show that your commitment to basic human rights such as freedom of opinion and expression and freedom from arbitrary arrest by denying the Burmese military dictatorship, which Prime Minister Tony Blair as so adamantly opposed, further opportunity to deny this protestor's human rights. As a member state of the United Nations and signor of many human rights conventions, you are responsible for the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights. And you are responsible for the well being of this brave protestor.

We hope and pray for the safety of the protestors and that the government of Britain would strongly consider our vital request. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts in advance for your positive action towards the peaceful and democracy-loving protestor(s).

Respectfully yours,

Free Burma Coalition New York
Contact: Kathleen DiDomenico at 1-212-665-8736 or Moe Chan at 1-718-335-2240

Copies sent to:

1. Mr. Jack Straw, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Foreign Secretary)
2. Mr. Mike O’Brien, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister
3. Embassy of the United Kingdom, Rangoon, Burma
4. Embassy of the United Kingdom, Washington DC, USA
5. United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations, New York
6. Media: British Broadcasting Corp. (Burmese), Voice Of America (Burmese), Radio Free Asia
(Burmese), Democratic Voice of Burma in Norway.