The fight for freedom in Burma goes on

I break from my blogging hiatus to blog on an issue for which I have always had a deep passion; the plight of the people of Burma.

The world can rejoice today at the news that Aung San Suu Kyi has finally been released by the military junta in Burma. Aung San Suu Kyi was elected as Burma's rightful Prime Minister in 1990 and remains Burma's legitimately elected leader. During her 15 years of house arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi became a symbol across the world, not only of the struggle in Burma, but for the cause of democracy in oppressed nations world-wide. Her release today rights a great injustice against a remarkably courageous woman who richly deserves her Nobel Peace Prize which she is yet to receive in person.

However Aung San Suu Kyi is just one of thousands of political prisoners being held by the Burmese regime. General Shwe's government, which has ruled Burma since a coup in 1962, is responsible for the extensive use of child soldiers, the practice of forced labour, the use of torture and the mass murder of thousands of its own citizens. Elections held last week, which were boycotted by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, were a complete fraud with only candidates approved by the military junta allowed to run. The fight for freedom in Burma is far from over.

I would therefore urge anyone who reads this blog to visit the website of the Burma Campaign UK and join the campaign for human rights and freedom in Burma.