Protestors show solidarity with Burmese democrats

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Dublin and Belfast today in a show of solidarity with Burmese demonstrators under attack from military rulers in their own country.

Burma Action Ireland and Amnesty International organised rallies in both cities as part of a global day of action to support the Buddhist monks-led pro-democracy campaign.

Members of the Burmese community in Ireland and Opposition politicians were among around 250 people who gathered across from the General Post Office in Dublin’s O’Connell Street.

Eileen Seymour, Burma Action Ireland spokeswoman, said thousands of passers-by signed a petition calling on the China to compel Burma to engage in a process of valid national reconciliation.

“The people have been led by the monks to protest for better living conditions, national reconciliation and calling for the release of political prisoners,” she said.

“We are here to support that.”

In Belfast, more than 100 people stood together outside the City Hall to register their protest at the brutal suppression of peaceful demonstrations in Burma.

The city’s Zen Buddhist community, Amnesty International members and supporters as well as academics from Queen’s University were among the protesters.

Fionna Smyth, Amnesty International spokeswoman, said Belfast was taking its place among cities worldwide showing their backing for the pro-democracy movement.

“We are hoping to make the people in Burma feel a little bit less alone,” she said.

“It’s very, very important that the government in Burma realise that the international community does care.

“This is about trying to create a little bit of embarrassment for them.”