Commemorations of the 4th Anniversary of the Saffron Revolution

Four years ago, peaceful protesters led by Buddhist monks took to the streets of Burma’s cities in opposition to the overnight 500% increase in fuel prices on 15 August 2007. The protests escalated to hundreds of thousands of monks, nuns, and citizens participating in over 150 protests across the country. On 26 September, the regime launched a violent crackdown, arresting over 3,000 people and raiding monasteries. At least 31 people were killed.

In the four years since the Saffron Revolution, little has changed in Burma despite fraudulent elections and the regime’s most recent attempts to charm the international community. People in Burma and their supporters around the world are holding events in commemoration of the Saffron protests, calling on the regime to take meaningful steps towards a truly democratic transition, beginning with the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and putting an end to the system of impunity that protects human rights abusers. Events are being held in the following locations:

Rangoon, Burma
Bangkok, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Mae Sot, Thailand
Jakarta, Indonesia
Tokyo, Japan
New Delhi, India
Bangladesh Border
London, UK
Washington, DC, USA
Buffalo, NY, USA
Seattle, WA, USA

Rangoon, Burma

On 26 September, about 200 people, led by former member of the National League for Democracy Naw Ohn Hla, gathered at the Nawaday junction in Mayangone Township to march to the Sule Pagoda. Police dispersed the marchers. Read more here.

Bangkok, Thailand

Tuesday 27 September
Rally and Call to Release all Women Political Prisoners
Rally to commemorate the Saffron Revolution and deliver postcards to the Ambassador of Burma demanding the release of all female political prisoners.
Where: Embassy of Burma, Bangkok
Time: 10 a.m.
For more information: http://wppbcampaign.blogspot.com/

Chiang Mai, Thailand

On 27 September, about 250 people joined a candlelight vigil and march to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the Saffron Revolution and to demand real change in Burma. The participants marched from the Three Kings Monument to Thapae Gate. For more information, see the Facebook event, or read the press release and statement.

Photos from the event are available on the CityNow! website and Flickr.

For video coverage, please see the following Press TV or Irrawaddy (Burmese) clips.

Mae Sot, Thailand

Sunday 25 September
Saffron Revolution Documentary Screenings
Screening of three short documentaries: “Monks on the Frontline”, “A Prayer for Democracy”, and “After the Uprising”
Where: Peace Café, Mae Sot
Time: 7 p.m.
Entrance: free

Jakarta, Indonesia

Indonesian civil society groups gathered to support the struggle of the people of Burma and to commemorate the Saffron Revolution, by staging a protest at the embassy of Burma in Jakarta. See more photos from the demonstration here.

The groups called for the international community to maintain pressure on the regime until there is genuine change in Burma. Read their statement here.

Tokyo, Japan

Activists held a demonstration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 26 September. They held photos of political prisoners and gave speeches about the Saffron Revolution and the current situation in Burma. Watch the video here.

New Delhi, India

On 19 September, exiles from Burma held a small ceremony to offer alms to a monk. See photos here.

Activists also held a protest march in Jantar Mantar on 26 September. See some photos from the march here.

Bangladesh Border

On 26 September, members of the International Burmese Monks Organization (Sasana Moli) Bangladesh branch held an event commemorating the Saffron Revolution. See the photos here.

London, UK

On 26 September, Burma Democratic Concern held a demonstration in front of the Burmese and Chinese embassies to mark the 4th anniversary of the Saffron Revolution and to protest a dam to be built by the Chinese on the Irrawaddy River. See photos from the event here.

Washington, DC, USA

On Saturday 17 September, people and monks from Burma and their supporters gathered to commemorate the Saffron Revolution. See photos from the event here.

Buffalo, NY, USA

On Saturday 24 September, activists held a flag raising ceremony in front of Buffalo City Hall as a symbolic way to show respect for those who sacrificed their lives while fighting for democracy in Burma. For more information, see the Facebook event.

See photos from the event here.

Seattle, WA, USA

On 2 October, Burmese and Tibetan monks and supporters held a candlelight vigil to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the Saffron Revolution at Green Lake. For more information and photos, please see the Facebook event.