September 26 (NMG) - Fifteen detained Burmese activists who were arrested by Thai authority in an attempt to stage a demonstration in front of Burmese Embassy, Bangkok were sent to the special detention center (SDC) on September 25, a representative from UNHCR Thailand Office to the Immigration Detention Center (IDC), Mr Boonprom Unsuwan said.

Mr Boonprom clarified on transferring of Burmese activists to SDC that “There are many refugees. These people who tried to stage demonstration in front of Burmese Embassy are now confined inside detention center for political prisoners,”

The detained Burmese activists were currently holding stay permit issued by UNHCR Office in Bangkok.

Before detainees were sent from SDC to IDC, Ko Nay Min Tar said on the phone from IDC, “They are putting pressure to transfer to SDC. Even the UNHCR could not protect us. They cut our telephone conversation frequently. They treat us like we were criminals and we have to sit on the floor now.”

On 18th September, Burmese student activists were arrested in front of Burmese Embassy while trying to protest against the military government who brutally took power in last 15 years in Burma.

The international communities have been mounting pressure on military government ever since the regime brutally crack down country’s democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi on May 30. However, Thai authorities enforced their restriction particularly on Burmese activists by denying their rights to stage peaceful demonstration in front of Burmese Embassy.

In the mean time, other 11 compatriot Burmese activists from Democratic Federation of Burma (DFB) were also detained last July inside special detention center (SDC) with the same case.

By issuing a statement, Human Rights Watch (New York) urged Thai government to release these fifteen detainees on 25 September.

Network Media Group