BURMA: SOME PRISONERS RELEASED; KEY LEADERS STILL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 RANGOON 001064 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/MLS, DRL, AND IO PACOM FOR FPA E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/28/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM BM SUBJECT: BURMA: SOME PRISONERS RELEASED; KEY LEADERS STILL DETAINED RANGOON 00001064 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: P/E Chief Leslie Hayden for Reasons 1.4 (b) & (d) ¶1. (SBU) Summary: On October 25 the regime released 87 people it had arrested during last month's demonstrations, including 50 NLD members. However, the regime continues to arrest and detain prominent NLD and 88 Generation Students leaders, and to deny them proper medical attention. The government continued its propaganda campaign today by staging an anti-American march near the Shwe Dagon Pagoda. Similar demonstrations are planned for Rangoon over the next few days. The UN told us they continue to plan for a Gambari visit on November 5, although they are pushing for an earlier date. Fighting between insurgents and government-backed troops has reportedly resumed in Karen and Kayah States. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) On October 25 the regime released approximately 87 people it had detained during the recent unrest. Among those released were fifty members of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy Party including a member of its Central Executive Committee, U Hla Phe. Also released was NLD member Than Hteik Aung, who worked closely with Phyu Phyu Thin in her HIV/AIDS treatment organization, Friends of the Red Ribbon. ¶3. (SBU) NLD spokesman U Myint Thein remains in detention, along with Magwe Division NLD Chairman U Han Zaw. Both are in poor health and reportedly being denied proper medical treatment. U Han Zaw has had heart surgery and needs regular cardiac medicine. His family reports that the prison has run out of the required medication and will not allow them to bring the medication themselves. U Myint Thein is reportedly also being denied medication for his ulcer. Contacts from the 88 Generation reported to us that another 88 Generation leader, Aung Naing, was arrested over the weekend. ¶4. (C) 88 Generation Leader Toe Kyaw Hlaing told us a member of their organization who had recently been released from prison was led past Min Ko Naing's and Ko Ko Gyi's cells while being escorted out of Insein prison. Although they were not allowed to speak to him, both gave him the "thumbs up" sign, a long-time code among 88 Generation prisoners that means "we are fine, keep up the fight." On October 28, pro-democracy activist Su Su Nwe, who is currently in hiding, succeeded in laying a basket of flowers at the location where the Japanese journalist was shot and killed last month, in memorial of those killed in the demonstrations. Other activists also succeeded in placing memorial baskets of flowers throughout the city. ¶5. (SBU) The government continued its propaganda campaign with a pro-government march near Shwe Dagon Pagoda in Rangoon today. Hundreds of people reportedly were forced to participate and shout anti-American slogans while local officials directed them. Large marches and rallies are reportedly scheduled to continue throughout the week. The UN told us today they expect Gambari to arrive on or around November 5, although they continue to push the GOB to allow Gambari to return to Burma even earlier. Reports of fighting between Burma Army backed DKBA troops and KNLA troops in Karen State could not be confirmed although a contact in Kayah State confirmed that clashes between Burma Army troops and the KNPP in Kayah State had been taking place beginning last week. He estimated as many as seven skirmishes may have taken place. ¶6. (SBU) Comment: These releases should not be given too much significance. The regime is releasing those low-level followers while continuing to arrest anyone with leadership qualities. This tracks with their long-standing policy to keep the majority of the population in line through fear and intimidation, while detaining the leaders to keep the political opposition disorganized. They deserve no praise for the releases, rather condemnation for continuing to arrest people who have done nothing wrong. It will be important for Gambari and Pinheiro to meet directly with the detainees, and we should demand access by qualified medical RANGOON 00001064 002.2 OF 002 personnel to provide proper medical care for those detained. We do not consider USDA hacks to be qualified medical personnel. End comment. VILLAROSA