Jailed campaigner for Burma pleads for aid after cyclone

May 11 2008 by Pauline Holt, Sunday Sun

Burma dissident’s fear for family

A BURMESE former political prisoner, now living in the North, has spoken of his fears for family and friends caught up in the cyclone disaster that devastated his country.

Khun Siang, 54, who suffered persecution by the country’s military ruling junta, said: “I’m worried about my family as I haven’t heard from them since the cyclone struck.

“I’m also very concerned about my close friends who ran a GP practitioner clinic in the worst-affected area.

“The death toll is rising and I’m very disappointed that the regime are not putting the people first. They are more concerned with their fake referendum on democracy.

“People need help now and they need to be reached as quickly as possible because they are suffering terrible hardships.”

Khun arrived in the UK last year after serving three prison terms totalling 13 years for taking part in protests.

While imprisoned, he claims he was tortured and beaten. He was also banned from completing his studies to become a doctor.

He is currently staying with the Stokle family in Jesmond, Newcastle. Anne, a health worker, husband Tony and their son Declan regularly travelled to neighbouring Thailand to bring aid to those fleeing the military dictatorship.

Khun said: “It will take 10 years for the country to recover because all homes have been destroyed, the livestock killed and crops ruined.”

Last night, Khun was due to give a speech to supporters at St Charles Church Hall, Gosforth, to raise funds for medical care, education and human rights groups. If you wish to help the fundraising efforts, telephone 0191-284 9820.