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Work Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) Statements: Burma, Singapore and
the Philippines
June 19, 2008
WFDA STATEMENT:
Asian Democrats Condemn Aung San Suu Kyi Detention Extension
The World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) condemns the
continued detention of Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi,
who turns 63 today. Not only is the illegitimate Burmese military
regime responsible for the only Nobel Peace Laureate in detention, but
we note that it has broken its own laws by extending her detention
beyond the 5 years allowed under the 1975 State Protection Law.
WFDA notes with concern that world leaders' refusal to mention Aung
San Suu Kyi in hopes of obtaining cooperation from the regime in
delivering aid to people affected by Cyclone Nargis has backfired. Not
only is the regime still obstructing aid deliveries, but it has been
emboldened to publicly state, a week before her birthday, that Aung
San Suu Kyi deserved "flogging punishment."
Further, WFDA rejects the recent referendum conducted by the regime
in May to push through its constitution as blatantly unfree and
unfair. The constitution itself is anti-democratic, in its content and
drafting process, while the conduct of referendum was oppressive,
involving widespread coercion and misinformation.
Mindful of the fundamental flaws concerning the junta's referendum
and constitution, WFDA is gravely concerned that any general elections
proposed for 2010 will not be free or fair. WFDA calls for heightened
international solidarity and advocacy on Burma in order to ensure that
the regime understands that its anti-democratic actions are
unacceptable. In particular, we insist that the regime must release
Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners immediately and
unconditionally.
19 June 2008
WFDA STATEMENT:
Asian Democrats Call on Singapore to Uphold Democratic Standards
The World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) is deeply disturbed
by the continuing repression of opposition figures in Singapore, in
particular by the defamation suit against the Singapore Democratic
Party (SDP) and the recent imprisonment of two of its leaders, Dr.
Chee Soon Juan and Ms. Chee Siok Chin for contempt of court.
The defamation suit is politically motivated, with the clear intent of
closing down the SDP altogether and delivering a stark warning to the
remaining opposition forces in Singapore. The criticisms leveled by
the SDP against the government would be considered protected speech in
any democratic society. Indeed, the basic function of an opposition
party is to provide an alternative perspective on national affairs,
which sometimes naturally includes criticizing the government. This
democratic exchange of different opinions is what enables the voters
to make a fully informed choice at the polls.
We call on the judiciary in Singapore to begin demonstrating its
independence by refusing to participate in such political struggles,
and instead uphold the rule of law by protecting the basic human
rights of all Singaporean citizens, including the right to free speech
and participation in public affairs. It should start by refusing to
impose substantial damages in this defamation suit and ceasing this
pattern of repeated imprisonment of Dr. Chee, Ms. Chee, and the other
SDP leaders.
19 June 2008
WFDA STATEMENT:
Asian Democrats Deplore Kidnapping in Mindanao,
Welcome Release of Abductees
The World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) warmly welcomes the
release of one of its partners, Prof. Octavio Dinampo, from kidnappers
who abducted him along with three Filipino TV journalists in Jolo,
Mindanao. While we are pleased with this development, we condemn in
the strongest terms his abduction: under no circumstances can such a
barbaric act be justified.
Moreover, we are disturbed by the military's prolonged "detention" of
Prof. Dinampo for "de-briefing" purposes after he was released. Family
and friends had no immediate access to him, as he was instead flown to
Zamboanga City for further "de-briefings". Furthermore, we strongly
reject the insinuations made by certain ranking officers within the
security forces that Prof. Dinampo was not a genuine "victim."
Prof. Dinampo is a renowned peace advocate who joined WFDA's
solidarity and peace mission to Timor Leste during the 2006 crisis
that hit the region's newest nation. He also joined us in our biennial
conference in Manila last September when we gathered the region's
leading democrats and activists in exploring common paths to peace and
democracy.
WFDA is distressed by the culture of violence that has beset many
countries and territories left marginalized due to historical
injustices perpetuated by incumbent governments. The kidnapping of a
peace advocate together with neutral journalists is reflective of the
desperation of marginalized peoples to attain their goals of survival
and acceptance into mainstream society and the body politic.
We are deeply concerned that this kidnapping may have further
complicated the stalled peace process in Mindanao while preparations
are also being made for the impending controversial election in the
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
We call on all related authorities and sectors to work for the
elimination of the conditions that led to the kidnapping of Prof.
Dinampo. We pray that such egregious violations of human rights will
not happen again.
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