Long sentences and transfers handed out to political prisoners part of preparations for 2010 Elections

December 22, 2008

During the last few months, political and social activists as well as Buddhist monks have been subject to unfair trials at the hands of Burma’s military regime. Hundreds were given long sentences up to 65 years, and hundreds already imprisoned were sent to remote locations far from their families.

These actions are part of a systematic plan eliminate the opposition and their leaders before it officially holds elections in 2010. The regime does not want any opposition parties and individuals to participate in its plans for “disciplined democracy.” Instead, it wants only regime sympathizers like parties formed from the Union Solidarity and Development Association to win in the election.

The regime learned from the 1990 elections, when the people overwhelmingly rejected its oppressive rule. In 2010, the regime will not allow any opposition political parties to even a hit of that past landslide victory for democracy.
By arresting and detaining political and social activists, the SPDC plans to prevent anything from disturbing its plans. It wants there to be no hope for demonstrators, no hope for a political movement. Current activities are eliminated, and future ones are intimidated

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Commentary