I was acquitted by the Brasat Court in West Bengal on 2 July 2003. I would like to thank all the people who have supported me and who have helped for my release. I cannot name each and every one here. I would like to thank my lawyers: Mrs. Nandita Haksar, Mr. Ashit Ganguly, Mr. Madhar Sanyal and also Mr. Probodh Roy who always stands for the withdrawal of the case. I thank my Burmese friends and colleagues in profession and my wife for all the support and solidarity.

I am today a free man. But 50 million Burmese are prisoners in Burma under the military regime. Our beloved leader, Nobel Peace Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in jail. I request the international community, particularly the people of India, to continue to support for the democratic aspirations of Burmese peoples.

I feel that the court's judgment today is a victory of Burmese democracy movement. It is also a victory of Indian democracy.

Soe Myint
July 2, 2003