Opposition groups CRPH, NUG, and NUCC demand the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners to mark her 81st birthday

Mizzima

On the occasion of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 81st birthday, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the National Unity Government (NUG), and the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) have issued a joint call for her immediate and unconditional release, along with all other political prisoners.

Sithu Maung, spokesperson for the CRPH, told Mizzima that the appeal serves to remind the international community that the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners is a crucial objective of the People’s Spring Revolution. He added that it also reiterates the revolution’s commitments on the occasion of the public leader’s 81st birthday.

A joint statement from the CRPH and NUG noted that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been unlawfully detained for four years, four months, and 18 days since the military coup on 1February, 2021. The statement highlighted concerns regarding her current situation, including the lack of verifiable proof of her well-being, unknown whereabouts, and denial of family visits.

The CRPH and NUG have identified three essential actions required to successfully conclude the people’s revolution. These include the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, an immediate halt to attacks targeting the civilian population, and an end to the forced conscription of young people.

The organizations urged the international community to exert effective pressure on the military junta to implement these measures swiftly. They also pledged unified cooperation with all allied forces to establish a federal democratic union.

Similarly, NUCC Council member Toe Kyaw Hlaing told Mizzima this morning that the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, other political leaders, and all political prisoners is critical to resolving Myanmar’s current problems.

The NUCC’s statement today affirmed its commitment to fighting alongside all revolutionary forces until the military dictatorship is permanently eradicated. It also emphasized that the establishment of a federal democratic union will be pursued through “collective leadership” involving all ethnic nationalities, rather than under the exclusive leadership of any single individual or group.

The General Strike Coordinating Body (GSCB) had previously called for a nationwide “Rose Movement” on 19 June to demand the release of political prisoners, the abolition of the conscription law, and to affirm U Win Myint as President and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as State Counsellor.

Internationally, the Yangon-based embassies of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Canada, and Australia marked Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s birthday by changing their social media display pictures to roses, demonstrating solidarity with the people of Myanmar.

The Canadian and Australian embassies specifically called for the unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all unjustly detained individuals, as well as access to family, legal counsel, and medical care, in addition to an immediate end to violence. The Swiss embassy also reiterated its strong call for the release of all those unjustly detained.

Strike organizations have advised the public to participate in local activities that ensure full safety and security, given the potential for monitoring and arrests by the military administration.