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Statement by the Press Secretary on Burma
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary November 17, 2008

Statement by the Press Secretary on Burma

ÿÿWhite House News

Burma: Continued Arbitrary Sentencing

In the last few days in Burma, Than Shwe's brutal regime arbitrarily
sentenced additional pro-democracy activists to harsh prison terms. This
brings the total number of persons convicted since November 7 to at least
86. Brave Burmese patriots such as Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, and Htay Kywe,
were among those who have been sentenced to 65 years' imprisonment for
their peaceful participation in the August 2007 protests, in which Burmese
citizens, including monks and activists, called on the regime to address
the basic needs of the Burmese people.

The United States strongly condemns the regime's persistent repression of
its people for exercising basic freedoms enshrined in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. We further deplore the complete lack of due
process, as these men and women have been arrested, detained, charged, and
tried behind closed doors without the benefit of counsel. The international
community and the United Nations Security Council must not remain silent as
the regime demonstrates yet again its contempt for universal freedoms and
its disdain for the international community's calls to release all
political prisoners.

The United States will continue to stand with the people of Burma as they
speak out against the junta's brutal actions.

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