Monk Ashin Gambira tells DVB of his experiences in prison : “It was very bad in the beginning. I was kept in solitary confinement when I arrived in Insein prison (in 2008), then also in Mandalay prison. I was beaten up and then put in solitary confinement in Khamtee prison. I was also in solitary confinement for the first month I arrived in Kalay Prison. And then I was transferred to Myaungmya Prison on December 16 and now I’m out. The conditions in the prisons initially was very bad – there was no sufficient medical supply and no doctor.” “I think (Burma) has still a long way to go. Although they are releasing prisoners now, they still have the characteristics of a dictatorship. What kind of democracy is this? They had to wait until today to release us.” 2012.01.13 DVB - Live Prisoner amnesty 15pm50 The recent political prisoner amnesty and ceasefire agreement with Karen rebels is not sufficient proof of the Burmese government’s democratic intentions, according to released monk leader Ashin Gambira, who said the religious boycott of government officials enacted during the September 2007 uprising remains in force.
Gambira has been quick to temper the hype that surrounded last Friday’s amnesty that included other prominent dissidents. Following his sentencing in 2008, the 32-year-old was severely tortured. “The government has transformed its external appearance into a civilian one but their efforts to implement democracy are still rather weak, while many cases of human rights violations continue,” he told DVB. Asked whether he had any words for President Thein Sein, who was prime minister under the junta that jailed Gambira three years ago, he said the boycott had not been lifted.
Monk Ashin Wirathu, who was eight years into a 25-year jail term when he released from Mandalay’s Obo Prison last Friday, said the government’s decision to free leaders of various groups, such as the All Burma Monks’ Association and 88 Generation Students, whilst keeping lower-ranking members behind bars might sow discord. He listed a number of monks that remain in prison. “This makes me think that there is intention on behalf of the government to cause dissension following the releases.” 2012.01.16 DVB- boycott-of-govt-remains
U Einda, the abbot of Maggin Monastery, Our country is now going to a democratic system to catch up with the world and to be a prosperous democratic country. Aung San Suu Kyi has joined hands with us in this great task. So I think if all democratic forces at home and abroad work together in a concerted effort in this task, our country will be greatly changed and develop. I’d like to urge all people to try to work together 2012.01.13 Mizzima - i-am-on-the-road
Abbot Ashin WayponelaI’ll go back to my monastery. I’ll be reordained and serve in the monkhood again. I’ll do religious work and social 2012.01.16 Mizzima - they-ordered-me-to-renounce-my-monkhood
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