Malaysia detains Burmese celebrating Suu Kyi’s birthday

Posted on June 24, 2009
Filed Under Burma news | 1 Comment

Human Rights Watch says Malaysian authorities used an event in Petaling Jaya organised last week to celebrate Aung San Suu Kyi’s birthday to spy on Burmese asylum seekers and eventually arrested 16 Burmese, many of whom are registered with the UNHCR as asylum seekers.
The event jointly organised by The Malaysian opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Alliance) and the Petaling Jaya City Council attracted about 50 people. Yet, district police assigned more than 100 officers, including a police riot squad to deal with the event.
Both uniformed and plain clothed officers videoed and photographed organisers preparing the city park and the arriving attendees. They also blocked all roads leading to the park and questioned arriving attendees.
Efforts by the organisers to discuss the actions were ignored by the police, who even refused to name the officer in charge.
The police detained 16 Burmese on suspicion of immigration offenses.  But, two were later released, after they were found to have valid residency documents. Of the 14 remaining in police custody, nine hold UNHCR documents but some have not yet completed the refugee status determination process. The five others are not registered with UNHCR.
Because of the arrests, the event was cancelled.
Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi has spent 13 of the last 19 years in detention. Her 64th birthday on June 19 was marked by events worldwide intended to show support for the Nobel Laurent (see: Happy Birthday Aung San Suu Kyi). She is currently on trial for breeching the terms of her house arrest after an uninvited American swam to her heavily guarded lakeside compound.
Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch said, “The Malaysian authorities only made themselves look ridiculous by cracking down on a peaceful celebration of Aung San Suu Kyi’s birthday.”
She said be detaining the Burmese asylum seekers, Malaysia was broadcasting support for Burma’s despotic generals.

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