Carmichael debates ongoing detention of Burmese democracy leader – Aung San Suu Kyi (North Tayside Liberal Democrats)

Carmichael debates ongoing detention of Burmese democracy leader – Aung San Suu Kyi

June 10, 2009 11:36 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael last night secured a House of Commons debate on the ongoing trial and detention of Burmese democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Mr Carmichael who is secretary to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Democracy in Burma has today added his '64 words' of support for Aung San Suu Kyi in recognition of Ms Suu Kyi's 64th birthday next week.Alistair Carmichael MP: Orkney & Shetland

Ms Suu Kyi has spent 13 of the past 19 years in illegal detention having previously won the 1990 Burmese elections. Ms Suu Kyi is currently on trial in Rangoon for violating the terms of her imprisonment and could face a further five years in prison.

Speaking in the House of Commons Chamber last night, Mr Carmichael said;

"She is rightly known and respected throughout the world for the quiet calm and the dignity with which she faces intolerable repression. She currently faces a process that, for the purposes of this debate, we will call a trial, but which, it is widely accepted, conforms to none of the recognised principles of natural justice that we would understand in this country"

"The charge facing Aung San Suu Kyi is that of violating of the conditions of her house arrest. If she is convicted-we might reasonably say "when she is convicted", because the purpose of the trial is to obtain a further conviction-she stands to have a further five-year period of imprisonment imposed on her. The irony is that this imprisonment will be for the breach of a condition of her detention, which has already been declared illegal by the United Nations as a contravention of international law and of Burmese domestic law. This illegality heaped on illegality is a particular feature of Aung San Suu Kyi's position, and of the loathsome regime by which she is being oppressed in Burma."

"When the Minister replies, I hope we will hear a bit more about what the Government are doing to build the broad international coalition that we all think is necessary. I hesitate to use the phrase "when Aung San Suu Kyi is convicted" when we are still in the process of the trial, as it offends my sensitivities as a lawyer, but such is the nature of this exercise that we have to be realistic and acknowledge that she will be convicted: the prospect of acquittal is so negligible as not to be worthy of consideration. What measures do we anticipate taking in that event? It seems to me that there is an obvious response: to build this broad international coalition, particularly for an international arms embargo. Everybody seems to support such an embargo, but no matter how strongly they do that, it never seems to happen. Within the European Union, will the UK press for a travel ban to be extended to the prosecutors and judges who have been responsible for this sham of a trial?"

Commenting after last night's debate, Mr Carmichael said;

"I am pleased the Minister understands the importance of building a broad international consensus to apply pressure on the Burmese military junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi at this crucial time. I am today writing to the Minster to ask what representations his department will be making to India to ask them to condemn this cruel and illegal regime.

"Whilst Aung San Suu Kyi grows frailer with every day spent in detention her political support and the campaign for her release right across the world grows stronger. I, alongside many others in this country am committed to doing all we can to free Aung San Suu Kyi, the rightful leader of Burma and bring democracy to the country."

Mr Carmichael today added his 64 words of support for Aung San Suu Kyi, joining a host of other names including, The Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP, Foreign Secretary David Miliband MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg MP, Richard Branson, Julia Roberts…

Mr Carmichael said; "Aung San Suu Kyi has sacrificed much in a tireless fight for the rights of the Burmese people. Now is the time for us to follow her example in campaigning for her release. This trial is just another ploy by an unpopular, despotic regime clinging to power. We look forward to the day that Aung San is free and democracy finally comes to Burma."

Notes:

The entire debate entitled 'Detention of Aung San Suu Kyi can be seen at - http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090609/debtext/90609-0022.htm#090609158000002

More information on the 64 words campaign can be seen at - http://64forsuu.com/

North Tayside Liberal Democrats