media release 53/99

[caroline@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Media Release
7 September 1999


ABSDF calls for boycott of state newspapers 

The All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) appeals to the people of
Burma
to boycott all state-controlled newspapers.  This action is made in
coordination with activists and intellectuals in Rangoon as well as in support
of the call for popular action on 9999. 

A statement from Rangoon received by ABSDF mentioned, that;  'the SPDC has not
only neglected the actual lives and the true desires of the people but it has
also imposed intimidation, forced gatherings, forced rallies and distribution
of fabricated news from state-controlled media.  The rallies against the NLD
that are said to explore the true desire of the people never reflect reality. 
The state-controlled media consistently uses overtly abusive and aggressive
language against the democratic struggle and democracy leaders - it breaches
all principles of journalism and ethics of media.  The authorities publishing
millions of newspapers, despite the poor readership, is a waste of precious
financial resources.  The papers themselves are aimed only at propagating
their
lengthy stay in power  it is well known that the people of Burma have no faith
in their version of 'news'.'

The statement continued by saying that; 'the authorities also force street
vendors and newspaper sellers not to reduce the number of sales by threatening
them with withdrawal of their license to sell.  Fear of unemployment is the
main reason people continue to sell newspapers.   Weekly public journals are
unhappy with draconian orders from the Colonel of State Censorship Board to
print abusive propaganda articles and cartoons in their journals. The editors
and publishers of public journals are threatened with termination of
permission
to publish if these are not included.'

Therefore, the statement calls to the people of Burma to 'boycott
state-controlled newspapers which are degrading the pride of the nation' and
'urges people not to buy, not to read and to tear up these newspapers in
support of the call for popular action on 9999.'

Meanwhile, security forces are strictly guarding major offices in Rangoon. 
Public servants are being told to be present in their offices for the whole
month of September to protect from strikes taking place.  They have been
verbally threatened with dismissal or up to 10 years imprisonment.  Civil
servants under the Ministry of Home Affairs, such as the local SPDC offices,
the police and prison departments have been placed on 24 hour standby.



For more information, please contact:01-308 2398, 01-951 9405, 01-960 4026