Burmese democracy leader celebrates 65th birthday under continued detention
Around the world today, people are marking the 65th birthday of the Nobel Peace Prize winner and detained democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Members of Parliament from across parties in New Zealand join in marking Daw Suu’s birthday, recognising that she is again spending it under house arrest and detention in Burma.
“New Zealand must take the moment of Suu Kyi’s birthday to add its voice again to the international clamour for her release,“ said Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Maryan Street. Ms Street also chairs the Cross-Party Parliamentary Group on Burma.
“There can be no credible election in Burma later this year without the participation of that country’s symbol of democracy and the release of the 2200 others who are detained in prison because of their political beliefs.
“Our Parliament recently passed a motion unanimously calling for the reinstatement of Suu Kyi’s democratic rights so that she could contest the upcoming elections. Her birthday today highlights again the ongoing repression in Burma and the perpetual denial of human and democratic rights there.
“Burmese communities across the country are holding events to commemorate Suu Kyi’s birthday, from a candlelight vigil this evening in Auckland to a birthday celebration in Nelson. Members of Parliament will be present at these events to show their support,” Maryan Street said.
