Photos of Burma’s 8888 Protests in London

08 August 2011: More than 300 people gathered in front of the Burmese Embassy in London today, marking the 23rd anniversary of Burma’s 1988 nationwide uprising.

In the event organised by Burma Democratic Concern in association with ethnic and Burmese organisations in the UK, one of the 88 Generation student leaders said the spirit of 1988 uprising is still alive as what we demanded then and now is the same – peace, human rights and democratic government in Burma.

Chin activist Sian Mun Khai told the protesters the importance of maintaining unity among ethnic nationalities in Burma as the military government continues human rights violations in the country.

In another rally in front of the German Embassy in London, about 100 people joined a demonstration demanding the German government to stop opposing a UN Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma.

Zoya Phan, Campaigns Manager at Burma Campaign UK, said: “The German government is protecting rapists and war criminals in Burma.”

“A UN Inquiry could help reduce abuses in Burma, but Germany opposes it because it puts business before human rights.  The price is likely to be paid by ethnic minority women being raped, and by political prisoners still in jail.”

More than 3,000 people including Buddhist monks, university students and civilians were killed during the 8888 Uprising on the streets of cities across the country by Burma’s dictatorship.

Van Biak Thang
[email protected]