The woman on the right is easily recognisable: Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize winner and leader of Myanmar's (Burma) National League for Democracy. But the man on the left, "our" prisoner, is not so well known. Up until the time of his arrest in June 1996 he was one of Aung San Suu Kyi's "bodyguards". His name is Maung San Hlaing - nicknamed Evak - and he is now in prison along with over 200 other political associates of Aung San Suu Kyi. His crime? Speaking to Australian journalists preparing a report for the ABC's Foreign Correspondent. The programme was broadcast in Australian in May 1996, and in it Evak appeared with a handkerchief across his face. We didn't hear him speak, but journalist Evan Williams' voice-over says, "We can't broadcast what he says, because an informer told SLORC he had spoken to us, an offence serious enough in itself without knowing what he says." SLORC is the acronym for Myanmar's ruling military government, the State Law and Order Restoration Council. SLORC authorities continue to harass and intimidate Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters and even though her high international profile gives her some protection, those close to her are regularly arrested and imprisoned.
After his "interview" for Foreign Correspondent, 27 year old Evak was sentenced to seven years imprisonment. Prison conditions in Myanmar are notoriously harsh.
According to Amnesty International observers, Evak's trial was a farce: it was conducted in secret and he was denied access to a lawyer. Amnesty has adopted him as a prisoner of conscience, believing that he has been imprisoned solely for peacefully expressing his views. He has been allocated to the Shoalhaven group in Australia and to two other groups - in Ecuador and South Korea.
Our aim is to secure Evak's release, or at least a reduction in his prison term. Writing letters to SLORC authorities is one of the actions we are undertaking on Evak's behalf. You don't have to be a member of Amnesty International to write a letter, although some guidelines are necessary.
If you would like more information about this case, or more generally about the work of Amnesty International, please contact Libby Turnock, PO Box 7, Kangaroo Valley, 2577, or phone on 44651 357. The Shoalhaven group meets regularly on the third Tuesday evening of each month at North Nowra. New members are always very welcome!
For a great present buy a copy of Candle in the Dark, an anthology of short stories and poetry dedicated "to all prisoners of conscience, for whome Amnesty seeks to be a candle in the dark". For your money, as well as helping the cause, you get a collection of interesting thoughtful writing.
Candle in the Dark is available from The Terrace Bookshop, Kiama, Dymocks in Nowra, Aj's buy the Book in Berry, and the Kangaroo Valley Newsagency for only $14.95.