Conflicting signals are coming from UN mandated officials and opposition. While some perceive there to be positive momentum for democratic and free society development in Myanmar, others see little progress or a veneer for continued oppression. AUNG SUU KYI is Exception Rather than Rule: An independent UN human rights expert concern about the situation of political prisoners on hunger strike in Myanmar and about the health of Buddhist monk U Gambira, who needs urgent medical care. While some political prisoners as AUNG SUU KYI (See FILM REPORT - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/aung-san-suu-kyi-speaks-on-myanmar-reform/27541 ), have been freed and have been granted a degree of greater freedom in political action, many political prisoners remain locked in the country, especially in more remote prisons around the country. It is easy to become cynical and conclude that the strategy of the Myanmar jhunta is to focus its apparent mercy upon the more internationally visible dissidents as Aung Suu Kyi while maintaing a firm grip and continuing abuses in most other respects. HUNGER STRIKE & TORTURE? Tomás Ojea Quintana, the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, has received reports that 15 “prisoners of conscience,” currently on hunger strike in Insein prison, are being tortured or ill-treated, and that they have been denied drinking water. Eight of the prisoners have reportedly been held in dog cells, he noted in a news release. Mr. Quintana has also raised concerns about the health of U Gambira, held in Kalay Prison in Kalay District, whom he had visited in jail in 2008. “I have received information that he was beaten during his transfer between prisons, leaving him suffering fits of extreme pain. He needs urgent access to medical care.” FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS: Mr. Quintana reminded the Government of international standards – such as the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and the Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment – as the basis for humane treatment of prisoners. The Special Rapporteur reiterated his call for all political prisoners to be freed and urged that the Government investigate all allegations of mistreatment of prisoners, including U Gambira. (READ – “MYANMAR MUST RELEASE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/myanmar-must-release-all-political-prisoners-by-ambassador-mo/32734 ). Myanmar’s Government released over 200 prisoners of conscience last month, a move welcomed by the expert, However, Mr. Quintana also urged that pending further prisoner releases, the Government should take immediate measures to improve the conditions of detention and the treatment of prisoners in compliance with international standards. “This is the time for Myanmar to not only release prisoners of conscience, but embark on more comprehensive prison reforms.” PHOTO – Myanmar’s most famous prison - “Insein”: aerial view courtesy burmacampaignjapan.org READ - “TREATMENT of MINORITIES in MYANMAR” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/treatment-of-minorities-in-myanmar-runs-counter-to-promises-on-human-rights-democracy-by-ambassador-mo/28223 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey





 Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect”





 Twitter – Follow us – DiplomaticallyX






 Related Reports at “War Crimes Justice Channel” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice