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Burmese opposition members arrested after praying for Suu Kyi's Release
Irrawaddy - April 23, 2009
Arkar Moe – Two members of Burma's opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) were arrested on Tuesday after praying for the release of their detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners at a pagoda in Twantay, Rangoon.
Chit Pe, vice-president of the NLD office in Twantay Township, and Aung Soe Wai were arrested after about 50 NLD members prayed at the township's Phettayar Pagoda, according to Kyin Toe, the NLD Twantay office chairman.
Kyin Toe said the two were arrested after returning home from the prayer vigil. They were charged under religious laws 295A.
Kyin Toe said some of the NLD members attending the prayer vigil carried Buddhist religious flags. They were joined by several dozen villagers from Zeephyu Gone.
"The NLD is acting peacefully and lawfully for Burma to become a democratic country," Kyin Toe said.
"The military government has announced it also wants to practice democratic ways. But some government organizations and authorities are oppressing and unfairly arresting innocent people to win favor from the military leaders. The junta needs to control them strictly. It is grossly unfair."
The UN, other world organizations and Asean are all urging the Burmese government to release Suu Kyi and more than 2,000 other political prisoners. Burmese rights group have collected more than 300,000 signatures in a petition to be presented to the UN.
Kyin Toe said 230 groups in 32 countries were working on the signature campaign.
"We believe our aim will be achieved before May 24, the date that Aung San Suu Kyi should legally be released from house arrest," said Tate Naing, secretary of the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
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