Burmese activists in New Delhi released on bail

New Delhi (Mizzima) - Burmese democracy activists arrested by the police for protesting against the ruling junta outside the Burmese embassy in New Delhi were released on bail by the court today.

The 26 detained activists, including five women were charged under sections 147, 149, 188 and 427 of the CrPC for unlawful assembly, disobeying public officers and for damaging and defacement of property in the Burmese embassy compound.

They were released on personal bond. Akshay Sharma, one of the lawyers, who represented them in court argued that the Burmese came to India due to the crackdown in Burma and they have been living in India as refugees.

"I submitted to the court that the Burmese, who have been living in India have been very peaceful and law-abiding in their protests and rallies against the Burmese government. However, they were angry this time due to fraudulent and undemocratic electoral laws promulgated by the military regime that bars the country's political dissidents and democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from being even a member of a party and from contesting the elections," said Sharma.

The Metropolitan Judge presiding over the case said that the Burmese would be released on bail. The next court date for them to prove their identity has been fixed for March 23.

Speaking to Mizzima soon after release, Kim, one of the activist leaders said that he was happy to be released so that he can continue his political activities.

"If I am in jail during this important time in Burma, I would have been very frustrated. The NLD is going to decide on whether to contest elections at the end of this month and I should be free to indulge in political activities', Kim said.

He added that the police and the lawyers are very understanding and sympathetic to the cause of democracy in Burma. "They are sympathetic towards us. We thank them," he said.

They are among 72 Burmese activists who smeared red paint on the wall of the embassy compound protesting against the Burmese military junta on Friday. The rest, 46 were released yesterday evening.

Shouting slogans against the junta, the protesters surrounded the embassy and painted the wall of the embassy in red with the words "Than Shwe Go to Hell. Elections No Need" before the Delhi police arrived and arrested them. They were then taken to the Chanakyapuri police station.

About 5,000 Burmese nationals live in New Delhi as refugees and asylum seekers under the aegis of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). They regularly stage protests and rallies in the capital protesting against the ruling military junta and strive for restoration of democracy in their homeland.

Source :http://mizzima.com/news/regional/3694-burmese-activists-in-new-delhi-released-on-bail.html