National League for Democracy

(97/b) West Shwegondine Road

Bahan, Rangoon

Statement 6(1/99)

Contents of letter dated 6 January 1999 from the Chairman of the NLD to

the Chairman of the SPDC on the subject " Living conditions of NLD

members in the prisons near the town of Kalay" are distributed for

public information.

(Start)

" 1. With great integrity, Burma became a signatory to the United

Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights wherein

Article 18 states- "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought,

conscience and religion. -------"

Article 19 states- " Everyone has the right to freedom of opinions and

expression: this right includes freedom to hold opinions without

interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas

through media and regardless of frontiers."

2. With a genuine desire to promote the worthy principle of democracy

and human rights for its people, the National League for Democracy and

its members in their political activities have been exercising " the

right of everyone to freedom of opinions and expression". It is obvious

that there has been no violation of any law. It is only the authorities

who have been offending the provisions contained in Articles 5, 6, and 8

of the Human Rights Declaration.

3. The persons who have taken over state power and authority have in

devious ways used the law to suit their own purposes and have for long

periods of time punished innocent members of the NLD.

4. Apart from imprisonment for long periods of time they have made it

difficult for the families (who have a duty to attend to their well

being) to reach them by imprisoning them in distant places. Thus,

innocent persons are being doubly punished. This kind of maltreatment

without fellow feeling (spirit of brotherhood as human beings) or

compassion should never be indulged in. It is in direct contravention of

Article 1 of the Human Rights Declaration.

5. For example, some NLD members are imprisoned in the jail that is

built in deep jungle area near Kalay town in Sagaing Division where

family members can not reach. Malaria is widespread in these jungles and

it is reported that all of fifteen NLD members there are suffering from

this disease.

6. Despite the authorities being wholly responsible for them, no

medical treatment is given. Though it is stated in Article 3 of the

Universal Declaration of Human Rights that " Everyone has the right to

life, liberty and security of person." this right is being totally

denied to the prisoners confined in the jail near the town of Kalay.

7. The authorities have a duty to attend to the health and daily needs

of NLD members who are innocent of any crimes and are illegally

imprisoned. If the lives of these individuals are at risk due to any

omission, lapse or defect of the authorities, they will be held entirely

responsible.

8. Moreover, we demand that these innocent victims be immediately

released. " (End)

Central Executive Committee

National League for Democracy

11 January 1999