NEWS
Jim Carrey: Support Aung San Suu Kyi
29 Aug 2007 By Nicola West (Editor/Writer (UK))
On Tuesday Jim posted a message on YouTube urging Americans to join a global campaign for the freedom of Burmas democracy icon, Aung San Suu Kyi. Often described as a female 'Ghandi' or 'Nelson Mandela', this tragic heroine of democracy has been Imprisoned for over 16 years under house arrest for her outspoken opinions against Burmas military dictatorship.
Introducing the film segment, a sombre Jim broke with his comedic tradition to get his message across.
"I want to tell you about a hero of mine, her name is Aung San Suu Kyi. She is a champion of human rights and decency in Asia and of similar hope to all struggling people."
Born in 1945 in Rangoon and educated at Oxford University, Aung is is a nonviollent pro-democracy activist and leader of the National League for Democracy in Myanmar (Burma), and a noted Prisoner of conscience. A Budhist, Suu Kyi won the the Nobel Peace Prize for her peaceful and non-violent struggle under a military dictatorship.
Recognised by world leaders for her personal sacrifice and struggles, on May 16, 2007, more than 50 world leaders released a letter demanding Burmas government free Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.
One such leader, the UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated In his book, "Courage: Eight Portraits",
"So Suu Kyi's courage is the courage to sacrifice her own happiness and a comfortable life so that, through her struggle, she might win the right of an entire nation to seek happy and comfortable lives. It is the absolute expression of selflessness. Paradoxically, in sacrificing her own liberty, she strengthens its cry and bolsters its claim for the people she represents."
Check Jim's message here:
Sites of interest:
- U.S. Campaign for Burma
- The Human Rights Action Center
- Amnesty International
You can show your support by accessing and signing up to these sites.
-- Source: U.S. Campaign for Burma. Click to comment this article.
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