Taiwan’s 5×65 Campaign for Five Women Political Prisoners

By Taiwan Free Burma Network • March 8, 2010

On 7 March, the Taiwan Free Burma Network and Taiwan Amnesty International organized the “5×65 Campaign” in Taipei to commemorate International Women’s Day and to raise awareness about five women political prisoners from Burma who were sentenced to 65 years in prison. These five women are Nilar Thein, Thin Thin Aye (a.k.a. Mie Mie), Sandar Min, Mar Mar Oo, and Thet Thet Aung.

About 50 activists demonstrated in a crowded public area in Taipei. Passers-by stopped at the info booth to learn more about the five women political prisoners. Over 300 people signed postcards and a petition calling on Senior General Than Shwe to release these women.

Five Taiwanese human rights activists read stories of each of the five women political prisoners, followed by live musical performances by Taiwanese bands. They performed beautiful tribute songs for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the five women political prisoners.

Burma Partnership’s Coordinator, Khin Ohmar, joined the event and spoke to the public about the courage of these five women and others languishing in Burma’s prisons. She spoke about the worsening human rights situation in the country, including attacks on ethnic groups and human rights activists, and called on the Chinese government to stop selling arms to the junta which allows them to perpetuate these grave human rights abuses against the civilians of Burma. Khin Ohmar ended by urging the people and government of Taiwan not to recognize the 2010 elections or its results, unless the junta first releases Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, stops attacks against ethnic people, and engages in dialogue with democratic and ethnic opposition for national reconciliation, including a review of the 2008 Constitution.

Visit Taiwan Free Burma Network’s blog for more photos and video of the event, as well as media coverage.