Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a major human rights group, told BosNewsLife its delegation also presented a letter to the European Union Presidency, "calling for a strong EU response to the current situation in Burma."
"The letter urges EU Foreign Ministers to discuss the crisis in Burma at their meeting this week, and calls on the Union to support moves to bring Burma before the United Nations Security Council," CSW said. "It also recommends the creation of an EU Special Representative on Burma."
Action Birmanie, a Belgian Non Governmental Organization who co-signed the letter, and the Euro-Burma Office, an organization which promotes democracy in Burma, also participated in the demonstration, which took place in front of the European Commission and Council buildings.
HUNDERDS DETAINED
Since August 19, hundreds of people joined some of the largest demonstrations held in Burma, also known as Myanmar, in a decade, several observers said. The protests broke out after the military government decided to raise fuel prices by 500 per cent.
"In response, the regime has launched a severe crackdown on protestors. Over 150 people have been arrested in the last two weeks, including almost all the leading pro-democracy activists, and demonstrators have been savagely attacked by police and hired mobs," CSW said in a statement.
At least one protestor, Ye Thein Naing, has reportedly been denied medical treatment in detention for a broken leg sustained during one such attack. "At least 41 other prisoners have gone on hunger strike to protest the poor treatment he has received," CSW added.
On August 28, the European Union condemned the detention of activists who it says were exercising their right to protest peacefully. “Although we welcome the statement from the EU’s Presidency, the situation in Burma merits a far stronger response," said CSW’s National Director, Stuart Windsor. "Over the years, the EU has reiterated its concern and its hope for a democratic future for Burma. The time has come now to replace words with action."
