Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice is among more than 25 celebrities that signed a letter calling on the United Nations to secure the release of Burma's democratic activist Aung San Suu Kyi. (Source: RTE Entertainment Site)
Rice among celebs seeking Suu Kyi release
Thursday, 6 September, 2007
Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice is among more than 25 celebrities that signed a letter calling on the United Nations to secure the release of Burma's democratic activist Aung San Suu Kyi.
The letter organised by actress Anjelica Huston and the Human Rights Action Centre and US Campaign for Burma, called on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to intervene personally to win immediate freedom for the Nobel laureate.
Suu Kyi has spent most of the past 17 years in prison or under house arrest in the military-ruled country, which is also known as Myanmar.
AdvertisementHer National League for Democracy won more than 80 per cent of the seats in a 1990 election, but was never allowed to take office.
"Aung San Suu Kyi is not just a charismatic leader, she is the elected leader of the Burmese people," said the letter, whose signatories included long-term supporter Rice, along with actors Jim Carrey, Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Susan Sarandon and Jennifer Aniston.
"This courageous, brave woman whom many call 'Burma's Nelson Mandela' should be released and the military regime should end its attacks on civilians," the letter continued. "We urge you to take action to secure her immediate release."
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Story from RTÉ Entertainment:
National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
http://www.ncgub.net/article.php/20070906084318926