International students to stage protest at ASEAN Summit

A group of international students from the National University of Singapore has released a press statement announcing that they will be holding a protest outside Shangri-la Hotel as a mark of solidarity with the Burmese people.

The hotel is the venue of the ASEAN Summit which is taking place from 18-22 Nov 07. The protest will take place on 19 Nov 07, Monday at 11 am.

PRESS RELEASE: Students demonstrate solidarity with Burma at ASEAN Summit

On Monday 19th November at 11am, following the forum held by the SG Human Rights group on the 18th November, a group of university students from around the world will stand outside the Shangri-La Hotel.

They will carry candles and pictures of the imprisoned democratically elected leader of Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi, in order to peacefully demonstrate their solidarity with the Burmese people.

This is in response to the recent violent crackdowns of both monks and ordinary civilians by the Burmese military regime, and subsequent lapse in international media attention.

It is also in response to the news that the member states will be signing the ASEAN Charter which is to include clauses on human rights.

The students will wear red t-shirts and stand in groups of four to remain within Singapore’s stringent laws against the freedom of assembly. They represent a larger number of students in Singapore who are concerned about the Burmese situation and Singapore’s direct involvement, but are too afraid of reprisals to personally participate.

They also have the support of thousands of students and others worldwide who cannot participate on the day.

Olly Laughland
Jonny Wengrowe
Pia Muzaffar

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