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Burma backgroundThe situation in Burma dramatically worsened at the end of 2007 when huge protests took place in the cities of Rangoon and Mandalay after the government raised fuel prices by nearly 500% in mid-August. The protests evolved into anti-government, pro-democracy demonstrations with terrifying consequences. Led by Buddhist monks, it is estimated that at least 10,000 people took to the streets demanding democracy for Burma. The Burmese government arrested and detained more than 150 peaceful civilian protestors and nearly 3,000 monks and accused them of involvement in terrorism. Many of these prisoners of conscience have been threatened with up to 20 years imprisonment. In May 2008, Cyclone Nargis heaped yet more misery on the people of Burma. The devastating effects of the cyclone were made so much worse by the Burma regime's inadequate and damaging response to the disaster, which saw them initially blocking foreign aid and arresting activists who were helping on the ground. Burma's Junta regime has a long history of human rights violations. In the past, the Junta have used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators. They have been known to torture their detainees by electric shocks, burnings, beatings and the iron rod. The iron rod is a torture device run up and down the shin until skin and flesh are parted and the rod is grating against the bone. PoC help for Burmese prisoners of consciencePoC offers humanitarian grants to Burmese prisoners of conscience. Even before this latest crackdown, we had a list of over 1,200 prisoners who were being detained for their beliefs. Grants are given to individuals in Burma to help them and their families purchase food and other basic necessities, such as travel and medical costs. The average PoC grant for a Burmese prisoner of conscience is £140.
A donation to PoC can help those in need in Burma. To make a contribution today, please contact us by telephone at +44 (0)20 7407 6644, or send a cheque to The Prisoners of Conscience Appeal Fund, PO Box 61044, London SE1 1UP, United Kingdom. View Amnesty's profile on Burma 2007
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