Freedom of Speech and Political Freedom
According to Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), there are now 1,547 political prisoners in Burma - the number had doubled from 1,100 in 2006 to 2,123 in 2008.
A 2004 Amnesty International report says that, between 1989 and 2004, more than 1,300 political prisoners have been imprisoned after unfair trials. The prisoners, including National League for Democracy (NLD) leaders Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo, have "been wrongfully denied their liberty for peaceful acts that would not be considered crimes under international law", Amnesty International claims.
The Freedom House report notes that the authorities arbitrarily search citizens' homes, intercept mail, and monitor telephone conversations, and that the possession and use of telephones, fax machines, computers, modems, and software are criminalized.
Read more about this topic: Human Rights In Burma
Famous quotes containing the words freedom of, freedom, speech and/or political:
“Freedom of conscience entails more dangers than authority and despotism.”
—Michel Foucault (1926–1984)
“War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.”
—George Orwell (1903–1950)
“His speech is a burning fire;
With his lips he travaileth;
In his heart is a blind desire,
In his eyes foreknowledge of death:
He weaves, and is clothed with derision;
Sows, and he shall not reap;
His life is a watch or a vision
Between a sleep and a sleep.”
—A.C. (Algernon Charles)
“Most of the money given by rich people in “charity” is made up of conscience money, “ransom,” political bribery, and bids for titles.... One buys moral credit by signing a cheque, which is easier than turning a prayer wheel.”
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)