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NLD Statement 75/2000:

National League for Democracy
No: (97/B), West Shwegonedine Road
Bahan Township, Rangoon

Statement 75(5/00) (translation)

Contents of letter dated 29 May 2000 sent by Chairman of NLD to Chairman of SPDC are published for information to all.

" (Start) Subject - Arresting unjustly and illegally"

On the 27 May, 2000, the National League for Democracy, a legally constituted political party legitimately commemorated the tenth anniversary of the general elections that had been sponsored by the military authorities themselves.

This event was held at its office and only members of the organisation participated. The authorities illegally blocked access to nearby roads on that day thus denying the public the right to motor traffic and walking. Entry was allowed only to holders of NLD cards and national registration cards which was strictly checked by the authorities.

During the legitimate proceedings on the occasion, Daw Khin Nu and Daw Chaw, the owners of the office building, who had nothing to do with the goings on were summoned and threatened by the authorities and rudely spoken to. Their exact words were "We do not want to hear this sound box. Go and close it". The two ladies conveyed this message to the leaders of the NLD as was their duty.

The truth of the matter is that the owners of the office building were in no way associated with the proceedings and there was no way that such proceedings could adversely effect the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood. In fact, the blockage of the roads by the authorities was a cause for inconvenience and a nuisance to society effecting the peace and stability of the vicinity adversely. The NLD, a legally constituted political party was exercising its legal right to commemorate a legal event.

But, making the above event as an excuse, Daw Khin Nu and Daw Chaw were illegally arrested and taken away on that night at 17:30 hours. Both these ladies are elderly and dependent on medication for their deteriorating physical conditions. The authorities refused to allow members of their family to take them the necessary daily medication. We have heard that they have now been sent to the Insein jail. We are positive that their health and lives will suffer because of the denial to them of their daily medication.

This kind of excessive abuse of authority against individuals that are in no way connected with the event contradicts the "rule of law" slogan which the authorities keep on proclaiming. Should the health and lives of the two ladies be endangered it will be the sole responsibility of those authorities who ordered such arrests.

If the authorities have any objection to the commemoration of a legal event (the 10th anniversary of the general elections) by a legally constituted political party exercising its legal rights, they should have discussed the matter with the NLD. Arresting and imprisoning Daw Khin Nu and Daw Chaw, two innocent elderly ladies on this account is totally unacceptable and we strongly demand that they be immediately set free. (End) "

Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

Rangoon
May 29, 2000