Saffron Revolution, One Year Later

A year after Burma’s beloved monks took to the streets to support a popular uprising, the junta is said to be working hard at keeping a lid on any expressions of dissent.Last week, a prison court in the central Burmese city of Thayet has sentenced 10 men to jail terms ranging from two to nine years for taking part in the protests, known as the “Saffron Revolution.” The judicial court at Thayet Prison in Magway Division handed down the sentences Sept. 11, several of the men’s wives said. Charges brought against them included inciting public disturbances, discrediting the government, and participating in public demonstrations, they said.

Two members of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) from the area were sentenced Aug. 23 to 2-1/2 years each for presenting a letter to authorities in Pakokku demanding action to curb rising prices.

On Sept. 7, the junta also announced the arrests of several activists accused of organizing bombings and street demonstrations in a further signal that authorities plan to maintain tight security as the anniversary of last year’s uprising approaches.

Witnesses cite stepped-up security in Burma since late August, apparently to discourage any protests in connection with the anniversary of last year’s Saffron Revolution, in which monks and lay people took to the streets in the biggest show of opposition to the junta since 1988.

A leading monk, meanwhile, a fugitive since the government’s crackdown last September and October, tells RFA’s Burmese service from a secret location that opposition to the authorities isn’t dead.

“As long as we live, in whatever way we can, we will continue to revolt against the military government for the freedom of the people of Burma. What we will do [next], we cannot tell you right now. I say this because conditions inside the country are very difficult at the moment,” he said.

A man who became a citizen journalist in the midst of the unrest meanwhile discussed the heavy personal price he has paid for his involvement.