[Onthebarricades] Pro-democracy protests, Southeast Asia, August-September 2008

[global resistance roundup]

* MALAYSIA: Security law protests resume
* MALAYSIA: Walkout over DNA law plan

* BURMA: Sittwe monks protest, repressed
* BURMA: Protests on anniversary of coup
* BURMA: Student protest in Sittwe
* BURMA: Monk attempts suicide at famous temple
* BURMA: Fragging incident hits army
* BURMA/GLOBAL: Democracy protests commemorated
Protests in the Philippines, Bangladesh
* BURMA: Bomb wounds four in Yangon

* PHILIPPINES: Traders protest social cleansing
* PHILIPPINES: Protest against honour for tyrant's wife
* PHILIPPINES: Balas protest camp targeted by saboteurs; protest continues

* KOREA: Protests over repression of pro-North groups

* TIBET/NEPAL: Mass arrests as protests resume
* TIBET: Protests in Sydney, Arunachal Pradesh
* TIBET/INDIA: New Delhi - visit of Chinese minister protested
* TIBET/US: New York - Chinese visit protested

* INDONESIA: Bali and elsewhere - protests over new indecency law
* INDONESIA: Wave of protests in Jakarta
* INDONESIA: Rights victims demand compensation
* INDONESIA: Opposition party to target election bureaus
* INDONESIA: Witnesses boycott trial after assault
* INDONESIA: Women's groups oppose "porn" bill
* INDONESIA: Fishermen protest against illegal fishing

* NEPAL: Judges strike against corruption allegations
* NEPAL: Hundreds protest disco crackdown
* NEPAL: Civilian death protests disrupt capital
* NEPAL: Lalitpur - Police killing leads to protest
* NEPAL/INDIA: Import tax leads to border protests


http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=43881

POLITICS-MALAYSIA: Security Law Against Dissent - Protests Rise
By Baradan Kuppusamy

Police trying to disperse a candlelight vigil against the arrest of 
dissenters under internal security laws.

Credit:Baradan Kuppusamy/IPS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sep 16 (IPS) - Under relentless opposition since losing 
massively at the March general elections, the government of Prime 
Minister Abdullah Badawi has resorted to invoking a draconian security 
law to check political dissent.

In a sudden crackdown on Sep.12 authorities arrested prominent blogger 
Raja Petra Kamaruddin, who runs the hugely popular Malaysia Today 
political website, and the outspoken opposition lawmaker Teresa Kok, 
under the dreaded Internal Security Act (ISA) which allows for indefnite 
detention without trial.

As part of the blitz three newspapers were issued with notices that 
could potentially see them suspended or banned altogether. A young 
journalist with a Chinese daily who reported the allegedly racist speech 
of a Malay leader was also arrested, but released 16 hours later.

The popular ‘The Sun’ English daily, the Chinese language ‘Sin Chew 
Daily’ and ‘Berita Keadilan,’ the official organ of iconic opposition 
leader Anwar Ibrahim’s Keadilan party, have been asked to say why they 
should not be punished for various offences -- most of them spurious, 
according to human rights lawyers.

The crackdown comes as Anwar struggles to induce the defection of over 
30 to 40 government backbenchers and topple the government. He 
constantly claims to have the required numbers.

Anwar has 82 members in the 222-seat chamber and needs 30 more to form a 
simple majority government, although how he is going to effect that is 
anybody’s guess. There is no precedent and the government appears 
prepared to take tough measures to keep itself safe.

‘’The crackdown is a signal that a new era of intolerance and threat has 
started. They intend to curb media freedom, political freedom and signal 
all Malaysians that more tough action is ahead,’’ Bar Council 
vice-chairman, Ragu Kesavan, told IPS.

The bar, which represents over 13,000 lawyers, is calling an urgent 
emergency meeting on Sep. 20 to plan how to head off the crackdown and 
threats from the government.

The ISA law -- which the authorities defend as necessary to keep the 
peace in a multi-racial society -- was originally enacted in 1948 by the 
British colonial government for use against a communist threat.

Since the 1960s Malaysia has widened the use of ISA to detain 
politicians, religious extremists, activists, currency forgers and even 
passport forgers.

So far, the arrests of Kamaruddin and Kok have sparked a huge storm of 
protest with even cabinet ministers joining in to voice anger at the use 
of the ISA against legitimate political dissent.

Several cabinet ministers broke ranks to speak out, forcing the 
government to release the reporter and allow lawyers and family members 
to visit Kamaruddin and Kok at their detention cells.

Cabinet minister Zaid Ibrahim, who resigned on Monday after failing to 
dissuade the government from making the arrests, had led the criticism 
from within the government ranks.

Speaking to reporters, Zaid said the ISA was ‘’open to abuse’’ and that 
‘’if we cannot be fair in implementing it, then we should confine its 
use to terrorists.’’

The government has defended the arrests saying police had carried out a 
major intelligence survey and found that there is a need to arrest both 
critics to ensure race and religious differences did not get out of hand.

Allied with Anwar, Kamaruddin has been a fierce critic of the government 
with traffic to his website exceeding one million hits on an average 
when he was arrested.

The government has already charged him with sedition and defamation in 
the past months.

Critics say the real reason for arresting Kamaruddin is to protect 
Abdullah’s position as prime minister now that he is under severe attack 
from within his ruling United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) and 
from outside by Anwar.

Opposition lawmaker Kok, a senior member of the Democratic Action Party 
(DAP) that supports the interests of ethnic Chinese and is allied to the 
Anwar-led Pakatan Rakyat opposition coalition, was formally arrested 
over unproven claims that she led a non-Muslim complaint about the 
‘’loud sound’’ of morning prayers over loudspeakers at a mosque.

She vehemently denied the accusation and threatened legal action when 
she was arrested.

Abdullah, who has promised to leave by June 2010, is however facing 
mounting pressure from UMNO to leave by December so that a new man can 
take over and win back lost support.

Abdullah’s woes were compounded after the 83-year-old former prime 
minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, a fierce critic of Abdullah, announced 
his decision to return to the political stage.

Protest is building up across the country with ordinary people, NGOs and 
politicians protesting the crackdown by organising candle-light vigils 
and protest meetings to whip up opposition against use of the ISA.

Even the church has expressed its concern at the sudden crackdown and 
has urged the government to allow legitimate dissent. It has also 
launched prayer meetings for ISA detainees.








http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Asia&set_id=1&click_id=126&art_id=nw20080828132020819C184671

Anwar protest DNA sampling legislation

August 28 2008 at 02:59PM

Related Articles
• Anwar ends decade-long political exile
• Anwar wins Malaysia vote

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday 
staged a dramatic parliament walkout with his 81 lawmakers just hours 
after being sworn in, in protest over controversial DNA sampling 
legislation.

Anwar was admitted to parliament earlier in the day, ending a 
decade-long political exile and taking another step forward in his plan 
to topple the government.

The first order of business was a new bill that would force suspected 
criminals to give DNA samples - legislation Anwar says is targeted at 
him after he refused to provide a sample following his arrest on sodomy 
charges.

He said the walkout was triggered when the ruling Barisan Nasional 
coalition - which he has promised to topple within weeks - refused to 
establish a special committee to review the legislation.

"We have walked out because they have refused to respond. Many MPs 
requested a select committee to be formed but the minister (Home 
Minister Syed Hamid Albar) refused," Anwar told reporters.

"There is no point staying and participating in the debate," he said.

Syed Hamid, who tabled the proposed legislation, condemned the actions 
of the three-party opposition alliance.

"They walked out contrary to the rules because they don't want to accept 
defeat. They know that they will be defeated," he told reporters.

"They walked out because they don't want it to appear like a failure for 
its leader who has said that he will be able to win over Barisan 
Nasional MPs."

Anwar claimed a landslide victory on Tuesday in a by-election to return 
him to parliament, capping a stunning comeback after he was sacked as 
deputy premier in 1998 and jailed for sodomy and corruption.

"I'm glad to be back after a decade," Anwar said, attacking Prime 
Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who has faced calls to quit since March 
elections in which the opposition gained unprecedented ground.

"The prime minister has lost the mandate of the country and the nation," 
Anwar said, calling on Abdullah, his deputy Najib Razak and "all their 
cronies" to be removed from power.

Anwar has rejected the new sodomy allegations, levelled by a 23-year-old 
former aide, as a government conspiracy to prevent him from challenging 
the coalition that has ruled for half a century.









http://www.burmanet.org/news/2008/08/26/democratic-voice-of-burma-sittwe-monks%E2%80%99-protest-disrupted-by-authorities/

Democratic Voice of Burma: Sittwe monks’ protest disrupted by authorities
Tue 26 Aug 2008
Filed under: News, Inside Burma
A planned demonstration by monks in the Arakan state capital Sittwe was 
disrupted by local authorities, according to Arakan National League for 
Democracy joint secretary U Than Hlaing.
The authorities had increased the number of armed security personnel on 
the streets of Sittwe but the monks decided to proceed with their 
demonstration despite the heightened security presence, U Than Hlaing said.
Forty monks gathered in the city at 1pm in an attempt to mark the first 
anniversary of the demonstration against commodity price rises by 300 
Sittwe monks on 24 August last year.
“The intention was to stage a memorial protest,” U Than Hlaing said.
“But the authorities got wind of the plan and so security forces turned 
up suddenly and aggressively and it didn’t happen.”
Security had been further stepped up in advance of the protest after a 
riot police officer was killed by a group of local youths during a clash 
on 22 August at the spot where the monks gathered.






http://www.burmanet.org/news/2008/09/29/democratic-voice-of-burma-security-tight-in-sittwe-after-demonstration-%E2%80%93-yee-may-aung/

Democratic Voice of Burma: Security tight in Sittwe after demonstration 
– Yee May Aung
Mon 29 Sep 2008
Filed under: News, Inside Burma
Security has been tightened again in Sittwe after 150 monks staged a 
silent march on Saturday to commemorate last year’s Saffron Revolution, 
according to local residents.
Armed security personnel, police and plain-clothes agents have been 
deployed at hotels and guesthouses as there have been reports for ten 
days that the regional commander is due to visit the town.
One local resident said the heightened security presence was visible 
around the town.
“In the ward, authorities and Swan Arr Shin members are being 
positioned, and the army has increased the number of camouflaged 
sentries in residential areas and guesthouses,” he said.
Another resident said locals had been informed that the commander was 
coming to town and so security personnel were working hard to make sure 
they kept control of the situation.






http://www.burmanet.org/news/2008/09/15/narinjara-news-monks-demonstration-plans-foiled-sittwe/
Narinjara News: Monks’ demonstration plans foiled - Sittwe
Mon 15 Sep 2008
Filed under: News, Inside Burma
About 50 monks in Sittwe gathered on Saturday at Gissapa Nadi playground 
to stage a demonstration against the Burmese military government, but 
their plans were foiled when security forces besieged the playground and 
set up road blocks to prevent a march.
A witness from Sittwe said, “The plan of monks to march in the streets 
of Sittwe from the playground was foiled after many security forces were 
deployed in the areas surrounding the playground.”
The security forces, including police and riot police, rushed to the 
scene when they received information that the monks were preparing to 
stage a demonstration.
“I heard monks had plans to march in the streets peacefully while 
holding religious flags, demanding a reduction in commodity prices and a 
release of their colleague U Ithiriya from custody.”
U Ithiriya is now in Buthidaung prison serving a seven-and-a-half year 
jail term, but his health is reportedly poor due to a lack of food and 
inadequate health care in prison.
The monks abandoned their plan and dispersed at the playground when 
security forces besieged the area.
The woman said, “No one was arrested at the scene but I do not know what 
happened after the monks left for their respective monasteries from the 
playground.”
There is currently no information on whether security forces arrested 
any monks, but the authorities have beefed up security near many 
monasteries and temples in Sittwe.
This is the third effort by monks to stage a demonstration since the 
beginning of August. Twice in the last month monks attempted to stage a 
demonstration against the present military government.







http://www.mizzima.com/news/regional/1060-burmese-activists-protest-on-20th-anniversary-of-coup.html

Burmese activists protest on 20th anniversary of coup

by Phanida, Huaipi
Thursday, 18 September 2008 21:15

Anti-government leaflets were distributed in Myitkyina, Kachin State on 
Thursday to condemn the 20th anniversary of the military coup in Burma.

Spokesperson of the 'All Kachin Students Union' (AKSU) told Mizzima that 
activists distributed and pasted anti-regime leaflets elsewhere in 
Myitkyina such as in high schools, university, colleges, government 
offices and residential blocks.

"We want to show our solidarity with all the students and monks in Burma 
while our second objective was to stage demonstrations on the 20th 
anniversary of the military coup," AKSU spokesperson said.

The students, who distributed about 400 leaflets printed on A-4 size 
papers, said they will continue to distribute the leaflets despite local 
authorities removing and seizing the posters, one of them said.

"The authorities removed and seized the leaflets as soon as they found 
them at about 9 a.m. today. We heard that the authorities announced cash 
rewards for information leading to our arrest. However we will continue 
what we have to do," he added.

On September 18, 1988, Burmese military made coup after brutally and 
ruthlessly cracking down on a nationwide uprising which left at least 
3,000 dead and many injured.

Meanwhile, to denounce the junta's brutal military coup, pro-democracy 
activists in New Delhi, staged demonstrations near condemning the 
generals, who has persistently cling on to power for the last twenty 
years despite of international and internal pressures.

Dr. Tint Swe, Minister of the Prime Minister's Office (West) of the 
National Coalition Government of Union of Burma (NCGUB), during his 
speech at the protest, urges the people to remain resolute and 
unwavering in their struggle for democracy.

"We must work for our cause. Democracy can be achieved and restored only 
by the force of the people. All the people must continue their struggle 
bravely and resolutely. We must fight," he said.

Similarly, Burmese activists and their supporters in various parts of 
the world including Malaysia, United States, and Japan held 
demonstrations condemning the junta for its military coup 20 years ago 
and call for the immediate political reformation in Burma.






http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/28/asia/myanmar.php

Monks stage protest march in Myanmar

The Associated Press
Published: September 28, 2008


YANGON, Myanmar: About 100 Buddhist monks in a western Myanmar city 
staged a peaceful protest march to mark the anniversary of the bloody 
crackdown last year on pro-democracy demonstrators.
Meanwhile, in the country's biggest city, Yangon, recently released 
political prisoners helped celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 
founding of the party led by the detained pro-democracy leader Aung San 
Suu Kyi. The police and other security personnel kept a close watch 
Saturday on the headquarters of the party, the National League for 
Democracy.
No protests directly related to the anniversary of the crackdown were 
noted in Yangon, where the demonstrations last year drew up to 100,000 
people. The junta put down the protests with force, killing at least 31 
and detaining thousands.
But in the western port city of Sittwe, about 100 Buddhist monks marched 
peacefully in heavy rain for about 30 minutes, according to witnesses 
who asked not to be named for fear of being harassed by the authorities.
The monks' march took the form of their morning round of begging for 
alms, but it is widely understood that such a large number of monks 
marching in an organized fashion represents a veiled protest.
In Yangon, six truckloads of riot police officers with shields and 
batons were deployed near the opposition party offices. People attending 
the ceremony there were videotaped and watched by at least 50 
plainclothes security personnel.
The ceremony, attended by about 350 people, including National League 
for Democracy members, diplomats and reporters, was also a homecoming 
for Win Tin, a senior party member who was freed last week after 19 
years in jail.
In an anniversary statement, the party reiterated its call for the 
immediate release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi 
- who has spent 13 of the past 19 years under house arrest - and her 
deputy, Tin Oo. It also called for the freedom of Buddhist monks and 
ethnic leaders arrested by the junta.
The National League for Democracy was founded in 1988 after an abortive 
pro-democracy uprising and since then has faced nearly constant 
harassment from the ruling junta. When the party's candidates won a 
majority in general elections in 1990, the military refused to let it 
take power.
Separately on Saturday, the so-called Group of Friends, which includes 
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the European Union, the 
United States, Russia, China, Britain and France, called on the ruling 
junta to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, 
and to start talks with the opposition.





http://www.burmanet.org/news/2008/09/29/mizzima-news-students-stage-protest-in-sittwe-%E2%80%93-than-htike-oo/

Mizzima News: Students stage protest in Sittwe – Than Htike Oo
Mon 29 Sep 2008
Filed under: News, Inside Burma
The local residents said that the students from Sittwe Technical College 
staged demonstration by marching in procession on Monday morning in 
protest of non-availability of school ferry.
About 250 Sittwe Technical College of Sittwe situated at Yechanpyin 
Ward, Rakhine State came back from school by marching in procession.
This opposition movement arisen from the region filled with opposition 
spirit and having high anti-government attitude, scared the authority.
“The school ferry followed the protesting students and met them at 
Bandoola junction, about 8 miles from their college, but the students 
refused to board the ferry and came back to their homes on foot”, one of 
the demonstrators said.
This is the exam period and the students staged demonstration in protest 
of school authority’s harsh treatment to them in dealing with them, he said.
Sittwe Technical College responded by phone, “Nothing happened, 
everything is over and OK”, when contacted by Mizzima.
About 150 monks launched silent protest of marching in procession in 
Sittwe on Saturday morning marking the first anniversary of Saffron 
Revolution.
This demonstration erupted amid the tight security imposed in all major 
cities in Burma to prevent the fresh monks-led demonstration again.







http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/17/asia/AS-Myanmar-Protest.php

Myanmar monk attempts suicide at famous temple

The Associated Press
Published: September 17, 2008

YANGON, Myanmar: A Buddhist monk slashed his throat in a suicide attempt 
at Myanmar's most sacred temple, the scene of several pro-democracy 
protests that erupted a year ago, witnesses said Wednesday.
A trustee of the Shwedagon temple said the monk became desperate after 
running out of money to pay for medical care. It was the second suicide 
attempt by a monk at the pagoda this year.
The temple has a history as a center for mass political gatherings, and 
was a focus for Buddhist monks and pro-democracy protesters last September.
Tuesday's attempted suicide occurred at a time when the authorities have 
tightened security in Yangon and other cities to try to prevent any 
protests this month marking the first anniversary of the anti-government 
demonstrations.
Those protests were initially small, consisting of people complaining 
that the military government had failed to ease their economic burdens. 
They later turned into broader anti-government demonstrations, led by 
militant monks and brought as many as 100,000 people out into the 
streets on Yangon, the country's biggest city.
The army eventually stepped in to quash the peaceful protests by force, 
killing at least 31 people and detaining hundreds.
The monk who tried to take his life Tuesday was brought to Yangon 
General Hospital, said witnesses, who asked not to be named so as not to 
draw the attention of the country's military authorities.
"The monk said he tried to kill himself because he was desperate. He 
said he came to Yangon to take medical treatment and he ran out of 
money," according to the trustee, who also asked for anonymity.
The trustee said the monk, whose name has not been released, was in 
stable condition.
In March, 26-year-old Kyaw Zin Naing set himself on fire at the temple 
after shouting anti-government slogans, according to witnesses. He died 
later of burn injuries.
Witnesses to Tuesday's suicide attempt did not hear the monk shout any 
anti-government slogans.
Another politically significant anniversary is being marked this week. 
On Sept. 18, 1988, the army intervened to smash massive pro-democracy 
demonstrations and grab absolute power from a weak interim government, 
suspending the constitution.






http://www.mizzima.com/news/breaking-and-news-brief/1116-students-stage-protest-in-sittwe.html

Soldier commits suicide after allegedly killing commander: Eyewitness

by MyintMaung
Tuesday, 07 October 2008 19:12

New Delhi - A soldier from the Burmese Army's Light Infantry Battalion 
(LIB) 707 based in Taikgyi Township of Rangoon Division, reportedly 
committed suicide on Saturday after allegedly killing his captain, local 
residents said.

A resident of Oat Pho Township in Pegu Division, who claimed to witness 
the ensuing standoff among soldiers in nearby Aye Mya Thar Yar Village, 
said Private Kyaw Shwe Maung committed suicide on Saturday evening as he 
was cornered by fellow soldiers for allegedly killing his captain.

According to the witness, Kyaw Shwe Maung fled his battalion on Saturday 
evening after allegedly killing his captain. However the accused ended 
up cornered in an electricity transformer building after several 
soldiers based in surrounding areas including those from LIB 707, LIB 
35, LIB 6, LIB 4 and LIB 5 along with local police stopped him as he was 
trying to escape on a motorbike.

"He shot more than ten times into the sky and took shelter against the 
transformer boxes," related the resident, who claims to have rushed to 
the scene along with several other local residents.

The local said there was a brief shoot-out between the accused and an 
officer who was leading soldiers from LIB 707 in their search. The 
officer was reportedly severely injured in the exchange.

The ensuing standoff persisted for several hours as soldiers feared they 
might destroy the electric transformer. But at about 11 o'clock there 
came the loud sound of repeated gunfire, and when a few soldiers went in 
they found the Private dead with multiple bullet wounds, the local said.

"Soldiers recovered more than 170 bullets, hand grenades, a 9 mm pistol 
and a rifle MA 1 from the private. They [the soldiers] took the body and 
buried it in nearby Pyidawthar Village," he added.

Another local resident of Oat Pho, when contacted by Mizzima, said she 
also heard of the incident but had not gone to witness the events, as 
she feared for her safety.

Similarly, a shopkeeper in Pyi, about 70 miles north of Oat Pho, said 
she also heard of the incident as she was returning from Rangoon on 
Saturday evening.

"As I was returning from Rangoon, soldiers stopped and searched all 
buses at Taikgyi Town. The soldiers were saying that they were looking 
for a defector," she added.

Latpadan lies on the Rangoon-Pyi highway and is about 85 miles north of 
Rangoon and about 15 miles south of Oat Pho, where the incident took place.

She added that according to the soldiers and other rumors, the soldier 
was defecting from his base in Hmawbe after killing his commander. 
Soldiers from various battalions joined in the search of surrounding areas.

However, the local police station in Oat Pho was unavailable for comment.

The local witness, citing rumors spreading among the soldiers, said 
Private Kyaw Shwe Maung, an ethnic Arakanese, had allegedly killed his 
captain for abusing his social rights. But details of the case cannot be 
verified.







http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asiapacific/news/article_1433224.php/Philippine_activists_remember_violent_Myanmar_protests_

Philippine activists remember violent Myanmar protests
Asia-Pacific News
Sep 26, 2008, 9:13 GMT
Manila - Filipino activists held on Friday a silent protest in front of 
the Myanmar Embassy in the Philippine capital to remember the first 
anniversary of a bloody crackdown by the military junta against 
pro-democracy protesters in Yangon.
The protesters donned crimson sashes and lighted incense sticks to offer 
solidarity and support to the Myanmar people in their fight for 
democratic reforms.
An estimated 100 people, including a Japanese journalist, were killed 
when Myanmar soldiers opened fire at more than 100,000 protesters in the 
streets of Yangon on September 26-27 last year. More than 3,000 people 
have been arrested in the subsequent crackdown.
Egoy Bans, leader of the Free Burma Coalition-Philippines, said the 
repression in Myanmar continues and the military has been arresting 
pro-democracy advocates.
Bans said that in August at least 39 activists were arrested in Burma 
and in the first 10 days of September 18 members of the opposition party 
were also detained.
'The crackdown has not ended,' Bans said. 'The junta is not just unable 
but is likewise unwilling to learn from the lessons of the Saffron 
Revolution. Instead of addressing the issues of the people of Burma, the 
junta stepped up its campaign to silence the legitimate dissent of the 
people.'
Bans said that monks, who led the pro-democracy protests a year ago, 
were under surveillance and some monasteries have been raided ahead of 
the anniversary of the bloody protests.
'The strength of the Burmese junta comes from its army and armory, but 
history will tell us that no amount of guns and cannons can stop the 
people calling for democratic change,' he said.
The protesters called on the international community, particularly the 
United Nations and the Association of South-East Asian Nations, to 
increase the pressure to force the Myanmar junta to institute democratic 
reforms.






http://www.burmanet.org/news/2008/09/25/narinjara-news-monks-stage-demonstration-in-dhaka-demanding-release-of-political-prisoners/

Narinjara News: Monks stage demonstration in Dhaka demanding release of 
political prisoners
Thu 25 Sep 2008
Filed under: News, Regional
The International Burmese Monks’ Organization (Bangladesh) staged a 
demonstration on Wednesday in front of the Burmese embassy in Dhaka 
demanding the release of monk leader U Gambira and other political 
prisoners.
U Thila Wantha, and organizer of the group, said, “We staged the 
demonstration in front of the Burmese embassy here to honor the first 
anniversary of last year’s Saffron Revolution, but we strongly demanded 
the military government release our leader Gambira and other political 
prisoners.”
U Gambira, who led last year’s Saffron Revolution in Burma, is being 
detained by authorities at Insein prison in Rangoon and is facing ten 
separate charges in court.
“We let the Burmese military government know through our demonstration 
about our desire for the detained monks, and also that their arrest was 
illegal and not just. So we want to see the release of monks in Burma 
immediately,” U Thila said.
Many Bangladeshi police forces deployed near the Burmese embassy before 
the demonstration and attempted to block the road towards the Burmese 
embassy, but the monks marched peacefully towards the embassy while 
shouting anti-government slogans.
Bangladesh police later allowed the monks and demonstrators to continue 
their demonstration 10 yards from the embassy entrance; the 
demonstration lasted for an hour at that spot.
During the demonstration, three monks staged a performance as Burmese 
prisoners, wearing prisoner clothes along with iron chains, and many 
staff from other nearby embassies came outside to watch the monks.
U Khama, secretary of the monk organization said, “Our program was 
successful because we got many people attracted to our movement and we 
let them know about Burma and what is happening there under the present 
military rule.”
Before the demonstration was completed, one democratic activist went to 
the entrance gate of the embassy to lay a wreath with photos of people 
who lost their lives during last September’s protests, in order to honor 
their sacrifice.
Many local journalists in Dhaka came to the Burmese embassy to report on 
the demonstration.
Afterward, the demonstrators led by monks marched to the front of the 
Bangladesh high court and staged a demonstration there in order to 
attract the attention of the Bangladeshi people to the Burmese democracy 
movement.
There were over 40 monks that participated in the demonstration, 
including Bangladeshi Buddhist monks from Chittagong, and 40 democratic 
activists. The demonstration started at 11 am and ended at 2 pm.





http://africa.reuters.com/world/news/usnTRE48O1GO.html

Yangon bomb wounds 4 as protest anniversary looms
Thu 25 Sep 2008, 6:35 GMT

By Aung Hla Tun
YANGON (Reuters) - A bomb exploded outside City Hall in Myanmar's main 
city on Thursday, wounding four people the day before the anniversary of 
a bloody military crackdown on anti-government protests.
"It seems to have been a small bomb but we are still carrying out 
investigations," a policeman, who did not want to be identified, told 
Reuters at the scene of the blast near a busy bus terminal in the heart 
of Yangon.
Anybody from underground pro-democracy groups to ethnic minority 
guerrillas to the military government itself could be behind the blast, 
which left few signs of damage, according to a diplomat who arrived 
shortly afterwards.
"It could have been anyone on any side with any number of objectives," 
the diplomat said. "There wasn't some great big hole in the ground, but 
people were injured and it was right in the middle of downtown."
Small bombs are relatively common in Myanmar. The junta routinely blames 
them on dissidents in exile or the jungle militias that have been 
fighting the ethnic Burmese majority since shortly after independence 
from Britain in 1948.
Three women and a man were wounded, but the police officer said they 
were not thought to be seriously hurt.
Armed police and soldiers immediately sealed off the area, a focal point 
of the massive marches by Buddhist monks a year ago against army rule 
stretching back to 1962.
At least 31 people were killed in the ensuing crackdown, which drew 
worldwide condemnation when it was launched on September 26, 2007.
With the anniversary looming, security in the former capital has been 
unusually tight, with armed police and troops patrolling the streets and 
setting up vehicle checkpoints.
The area around City Hall and the Sule Pagoda, where the monk's marches 
ended, has been under particularly tight watch.
At least 3,000 people were arrested in the crackdown and its aftermath. 
Human rights groups say as many as 700 people remain behind bars, 
although the junta says all but a few dozen have been released.
Earlier this month, female activist Nilar Thein, a student leader in a 
brutally crushed democracy uprising in 1988 and an organiser of the 2007 
protests, was detained after a year on the run.
She went into hiding, abandoning her four-month-old daughter, when her 
husband was arrested in August for helping stage the small fuel and food 
price protests that snowballed into the monk-led demonstrations a month 
later.
The detention of the still-influential 1988 uprising leaders -- the 
so-called "88 Generation Students" -- makes any demonstration to mark 
the anniversary inside Myanmar extremely unlikely. Events are planned 
for outside the country.
News websites run by exiled dissidents, most of them in neighbouring 
Thailand and India, have come under cyber-attack in the past week in 
what they say is an attempt by the generals to prevent coverage of the 
demonstrations.
(Writing by Ed Cropley; Editing by Alan Raybould)







http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=400382

Manila vendors protest discipline zone
By Nestor Etolle Updated September 14, 2008 12:00 AM

Photograph provided by the Manila Police District shows C.M. Recto 
Avenue in Divisoria after the city government’s implementation of the 
discipline zone.

Hundreds of Divisoria vendors are threatening to hold a rally tomorrow 
at the Manila City Hall to protest, among other things, the 
implementation of the discipline zone.
Officials of the Manila Police District, including station commanders of 
Moriones and Meisic police stations who have jurisdiction over the 
entire Divisoria area, are set to conduct a dialogue today with the 
rallyists to thresh out their problems.
According to the vendors, they will call on Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim to 
give them back the stretch of C.M. Recto Avenue in order to ply their 
trade. The vendors said they have been losing business since the 
implementation of the LIM (Linisin, Ikarangal ang Maynila) discipline 
zone, which limits them to one square meter of space on the sidewalk.
Before the implementation of LIM discipline zone, vendors occupied 
nearly half of the street, causing traffic snarls in the area.
The vendors will reportedly ask Lim to once again allow them to sell 
their products even in the middle of C.M. Recto Avenue for the Christmas 
season, when bargain shoppers flock to Divisoria.
However, MPD director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said the 
implementation of LIM discipline zone along C.M. Recto Avenue was 
appreciated by the public because the traffic flow has been eased and 
the trash and illegal stalls are gone.
The LIM discipline zone, which is also being implemented along Tayuman 
street and Quezon Boulevard, prohibits tricycles, illegal vendors, 
illegal parking, uncollected garbage, eyesores, obstructions, scavengers 
and vagrants in the vicinity.
Meisic police station chief Superintendent Nelson Yabut vowed to fully 
implement the law “no matter who gets hurt.”
He proposed the opening of a night market along Juan Luna and Asuncion 
streets from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. to give the vendors a better chance to 
dispose of their wares and earn enough money.
“However there should be guidelines before they are allowed to sell such 
as the cleaning of their vending areas before and after their 
operations,” Yabut said.






http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080906-159099/Imelda-Sam-Milby-honored-at-youth-seminar-causes-protest

Imelda, Sam Milby honored at youth seminar, causes protest
By Jerry E. Esplanada
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:09:00 09/06/2008

Filed Under: Education, history, Politics, Celebrities
MANILA, Philippines -- The choice of former first lady Imelda Marcos as 
"guest of honor" at a youth leadership conference opening in Baguio City 
on Sunday has raised a furor among education officials, as well as 
various teacher and student groups.
The controversial wife of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos will be 
honored for her “contribution to Philippine culture and arts” at the 
DepEd’s annual National Leadership Training for Student Government 
Officers at the Teachers Camp.
The four-day conference is a project of the DepEd's Center for Students 
and Co-Curricular Affairs, or CSCA.
In the same event, the department will formally designate Fil-Am actor 
Sam Milby as its “youth spokesperson.”
A flurry of protests from teacher and student groups, some DepEd 
executives, as well as top officials of the National Commission on 
Culture and the Arts (NCCA) expressed “shock and dismay” at the CSCA's 
choice of role model.
"It’s truly disgusting," said Antonio Tinio, head of the 15,000-strong 
Alliance of Concerned Teachers.
“Our schools should be teaching the youth that Ferdinand and Imelda 
Marcos led the most brutal and corrupt dictatorship this country has 
ever seen. We're outraged that DepEd will provide her with such a venue. 
We won't just let this pass,” Tinio added.
Education Undersecretary Vilma Labrador, NCCA chair, and NCCA Executive 
Director Cecile Guidote-Alvarez called the decision to invite Marcos 
“very insensitive to the sacrifices of the victims of martial law, 
including a number of public school teachers.”
Both Labrador and Alvarez consider themselves “victims of the Marcos 
dictatorship.”
The NCCA chairperson, who will represent Secretary Jesli A. Lapus as the 
conference's keynote speaker, said she “didn't know (Marcos) would be 
attending the same event.”
Labrador added she was “not consulted (by CSCA executive director Joey 
Pelaez) about this matter.”
For his part, Lapus said the decision to invite the former first lady 
was not cleared with him.
“I haven't seen the program,” Lapus told the Inquirer.
Asked to comment, Pelaez said, “Mrs. Marcos is known for her 
contribution (to) the arts.”
Pelaez claimed “it was a suggestion by some people to invite her. They 
told me she was invited recently by the University of the 
Philippines-College of Public Administration.”
Pelaez, however, did not say who made the suggestion.
Vencer Crisostomo, president of the militant League of Filipino 
Students, called the DepEd decision “ridiculous and an insult to the 
nation which was victimized by the Marcos dictatorship.”
Alvin Peters, head of the National Union of Students of the Philippines, 
said “with a such decision, the DepEd has apparently become ignorant and 
insensitive of our history.”
On the choice of "youth spokesperson," Peters pointed out that the young 
actor Milby "isn't even a product of the Philippine educational system.”
Sarah Katrina Maramag, deputy secretary-general of the College Editors 
Guild of the Philippines, said “What we need are stars in quality 
education, not publicity stunts.”
"Why has DepEd chosen a foreigner who barely speaks Filipino to be its 
spokesperson? On the other hand, he’s a good choice if they want to 
highlight how deeply entrenched the colonial orientation is in our 
educational system," added Tinio.






http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2008/10/03/news/2.nabbed.for.destroying.balas.protest.streamers.html

October 03, 2008
2 nabbed for destroying Balas protest streamers
By Ian Ocampo Flora

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A mad scramble occurred along the picket post of 
the sacked members of Biyaya A Luluguran at Sisikapan (Balas) here 
Thursday after four men tried to remove the controversial protest 
streamers and posters that were reinstalled at the Arnedo Park.

The incident occurred a day after Balas boys reinstalled the protest 
streamers and posters earlier ordered to be taken down by Provincial 
Administrator Vivian Dabu.

What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers

It was learned that the four men tried to remove the streamers around 1 
p.m. But they were confronted and chased away by the Balas boys.

Two of the intruders identified as Honorio Madla and Joel Castro were 
eventually arrested and turned over to the city police here.

Roperlee Syquia, one of the supporters of the sacked Balas members, said 
the two suspects had admitted that they were allegedly paid P500 each to 
remove the protest streamers and posters.

He said they had pointed to a former barangay kagawad in Barangay 
Lourdes here as the one who ordered them to take off the streamers.

"They destroyed some of the streamers, they said they were paid P500 
each to do the job," Syquia told this paper's reporter. It was found out 
that the two suspects are "pedicab" drivers here.

Filologo Rodriguez, Balas former head of operations, said they will file 
cases against the suspects for violating Balas boys' freedom to express 
their grievances against the governor.

The protesters said the act was a clear manifestation of harassment and 
foul play on the part of some of Panlilio supporters.

In a separate interview with Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio, he said 
he earlier ordered the removal of the streamers because they contained 
photos and statements that are "malicious and below the belt" and that 
they lack the necessary permit.

However, Panlilio clarified that he did not order the removal of the 
said streamers and posters yesterday afternoon.

Panlilio admitted though that there are supporters of his administration 
who have expressed their willingness to volunteer and remove the said 
streamers.

"There are people who are getting tired of what the Balas is doing and 
we have put up with this for quite too long," Panlilio said, adding that 
he will get into the bottom of the said incident.

Meanwhile, the Balas boys said they will continue their protest actions 
at the Arnedo Park.

"This only makes us even more determined to see this protest through," 
Syquia added.







http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2008/10/02/news/protest.streamers.reinstalled.html

Thursday, October 02, 2008
Protest streamers reinstalled
By Jovi T. De Leon

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Protesting members of the Biyaya A Luluguran At 
Sisikapan (Balas) reinstalled their "Panlilio and Dabu Resign!" 
streamers near the flagpole in front of the Capitol on Tuesday morning.

This came after Balas members were emboldened by reports that they could 
legally continue to stay at the controversial Arnedo Park.

What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers

The move is a prelude to what the sacked quarrymen called "round 3" of 
their protest in a bid to show Governor Eddie Panlilio that they have 
enough "firepower" to bring the "whole of Pampanga to Panlilio's 
doorsteps" and call for his resignation.

Two "big" rallies so far have been held by the group last September 17 
and 22, but the protesters vowed to hold bigger ones after Panlilio 
belittled their demonstrations, claiming both rallies, with attendances 
of about 1,200 and 2,000, respectively, are not representative of the 
sentiments in the entire province.

The protesters met the other day to finalize their plans for "round 3" 
but did not disclose when and how their next rally would be conducted. 
They said they were "recharged" after a few days of "chilling out" as a 
result of their quandary to obtain the necessary permit for their picket 
at the park.

Panlilio earlier shut all channels for the protesters when he wrote City 
Mayor Oscar Rodriguez requesting him to refrain from issuing permits to 
the rallyists, as Arnedo Park is within the Capitol's jurisdiction.

Before that, Panlilio issued an official statement citing Provincial 
Board (PB) Resolution 1338, declaring Arnedo Park a "freedom park" invalid.

Both the PB and Panlilio have challenged each other to take the matter 
to the court to prove their respective claims, but both parties have 
remained in a "wait and see" position.

Rodriguez said the city administration would, at the moment, cease in 
issuing rally permits at Arnedo Park until they formally and 
"professionally" respond to the governor's letter.

But the other day, the Balas boys rejoiced upon learning that Arnedo 
Park "is indeed a freedom park" based on this paper's opinion article on 
the provisions of Batas Pambansa (BP) 880 which was cited to settle the 
cases of Bayan, et al. v. Ermita, et al., G.R. Nos. 169838 and its 
companion cases of Del Prado, et al. v. Ermita, et al., G.R. No. 169848, 
and KMU, et al. v. Executive Secretary, et al., G.R. No. 169881 on April 
25, 2006.

The column article by lawyer Jun Bautista said: "Supreme Court Justice 
Azcuna, who penned the decision, went one step further in safeguarding 
liberty by giving local governments a deadline of 30 days within which 
to designate specific freedom parks as provided under BP 880.”

If, after that period, no such parks are so identified in accordance 
with Section 15 of the law, all public parks and plazas of the 
municipality or city concerned shall in effect be deemed freedom parks; 
no prior permit of whatever kind shall be required to hold an assembly 
therein.

The only requirement will be written notices to the police and the 
mayor's office to allow proper coordination and orderly activities.

On this premise, the protesters decided to reinstall their streamers and 
posters in their original location despite a previous order issued by 
Provincial Administrator Vivian Dabu to the Capitol's General Services 
Office to dismantle them due to the lack of a permit and because they 
were defamatory and derogatory in nature.

But on Wednesday, as the protesters "reclaimed the area" for their 
streamers, they were met and reminded by the Capitol's security group 
headed by Eddie Cabiling, that he "has standing orders from Panlilio 
disallowing the reinstallation of the protest messages there."

Cabiling requested the group to "back off" and replace the streamers and 
posters near the protesters picket line along Capitol Boulevard.

The protesters insisted that "they have the right to be there" based on 
BP 880. Former Balas leader Chris Ocampo even read the full terms of the 
law to Cabiling.

Roperlee Syquia, Panlilio's former social welfare aide and a staunch 
supporter of the protesters, added: "PB Resolution s1338 is valid 
because Panlilio did not contest it within its prescribed period after 
its publication." He said "after 15 days of its publication in 
newspapers, the resolution automatically becomes an ordinance if no 
entity contests its issuance within that time frame."

Syquia said they have been consistently reminded and guided of their 
rights by their legal counsels.

The protesters told Cabiling that they would only leave the premises and 
dismantle their streamers if Panlilio and Dabu would serve them the 
legal order from the proper court.






http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2008/09/21/news/balas.protestors.reject.call.for.dialogue.html

Sunday, September 21, 2008
Balas protestors reject call for dialogue
By Ian Ocampo Flora

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Sacked members of the Biyaya a Luluguran at 
Sisikapan (Balas) have turned down the advice of "running priest" Robert 
Reyes for them to sit down and discuss their differences with Governor 
Eddie Panlilio.

Reyes, who arrived at the Capitol here last Friday to show his support 
to the embattled governor, appealed to the Balas Boys to try and "open 
their hearts" to another set of dialogue with the priest-turned-governor.

What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers

The running priest said that he is very much concerned with what is 
happening in the province and with the way things have been going 
against Panlilio.

"Let us not fall into the gospel of stone-throwing and open our hearts 
and minds to reconciliation," Reyes told the dismissed Balas members.

Flanked by members of civil society group Kasaup, Reyes urged the 
protesting Balas Boys to join the run-around at Arnedo Park.

Reyes, Panlilio, and members of the Kasaup also held a ceremonial 
"blessing of the stones" in front of the Capitol.

But rather than heeding the priest's call, the protesters insisted the 
Panlilio should first follow what was agreed upon in his previous 
dialogues with them.

"How could we talk to the governor if he does not keep his words? What 
should be done is that he first follow our demands," Chris Ocampo, one 
of the protestors, told Reyes.

Panlilio, who was standing, along with members of Kasaup, in front of 
the Capitol, was heckled with phrases and statements like "Eke Recall, 
Resign Kami" (We are not for recall, we are for resignation) and 
"Panlilio alang metung a salita" (Panlilio has no word of honor).

In an interview with Sun.Star, Ocampo believed that Reyes "does not 
entirely comprehend" what is happening in the province.

"We respect the coming of Fr. Reyes, but the problem here is he does not 
entirely understand what is happening here. If he really knew what was 
happening with the Balas since the start he would surely asked the 
governor for reforms," he said.

He said they are firm in their position not to talk to Panlilio until 
their demands are met.

"We have been protesting for almost two months, our complaints are not 
politically motivated and are legitimate claims," Ocampo said.

Prior to their rally, they were protesting their demotion, which was 
made after alleged anomalies and complaints in quarry monitoring 
surfaced. Aside from Panlilio, the disgruntled Balas members called for 
the resignation of Provincial Administration Vivian Dabu last July 10.









http://www.kcna.co.jp/item/2008/200809/news09/01.htm#16

Police Suppression Protested in S. Korea
Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- Political parties and civic and public 
organizations of south Korea, including the Democratic Labor Party, the 
south Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the Society for 
Supporting Prisoners of Conscience of the Family Movement for Realizing 
Democracy, called a press conference in Seoul on August 27 at which they 
denounced the puppet police for arresting members of the Federation of 
Socialist Workers' Union.
Speakers at the press conference recalled that the police arrested all 
of a sudden O Se Chol, honorary professor at Yonsei University who is 
chairman of the Steering Committee of the federation, and its six other 
members on August 26 on charges of the violation of the ill-famed 
"National Security Law", searched their houses and seized social and 
scientific books, etc.
They accused the police of even disallowing families of arrestees and 
those concerned of the federation to visit them, stating that this is 
nothing but a foolish act of the authorities to tide over the ruling 
crisis through the police suppression of people.
The "government's" use of police to hold in check social progress is 
aimed at discouraging the progressive forces, they added.
They called on all the people to foil the police suppression and have 
the NSL repealed at an early date so as to win back the freedom of 
political activities and thinking.
Meanwhile, the Bar Association for a Democratic Society declared that it 
would form a "group for legal counter-actions" in protest against the 
authorities' ongoing suppression.





http://www.kcna.co.jp/item/2008/200809/news09/01.htm#18

Unreasonable Trial Protested in S. Korea
Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- The Measure Committee for the Release of 
Yun Ki Jin, chairman of the South Headquarters of the National Alliance 
of Youth and Students for the Country's Reunification, called a press 
conference in Seoul on August 27, denouncing the unreasonable trial on 
him by the puppet Seoul Central District Court.
The court sentenced to three years of imprisonment and three years of 
suspension of qualification Yun who was arrested and prosecuted on 
charges of violating the "National Security Law".
Speakers at the press conference said that the court authorities' ruling 
was an anachronistic reckless action.
They charged that it is an unpardonable deed that the court authorities 
granted a "special pardon" to the chieftains for the irregularities and 
corruption and declared Yun guilty for the mere reason that he acted as 
chairman of the south Korean Federation of University Student Councils 
and struggled to relieve the sorrow of national division.
They contended that the National Alliance of Youth and Students for the 
Country's Reunification is a legitimate organization of youth and 
students in the north and the south and abroad, not an organization 
which acts on the "instruction" of someone.
They held that the Lee Myung Bak group should stop the suppression of 
Yun, coming to sense though belatedly.






http://www.anspress.com/nid87414.html

Event / 09.09.2008 19:21
Tibetans resume protests in Nepal, 72 held
Nepali police detained 72 Tibetan exiles as they tried to storm a 
Chinese consular office in Kathmandu on Tuesday, resuming anti-Beijing 
protests after a brief lull.
Nepali police detained 72 Tibetan exiles as they tried to storm a 
Chinese consular office in Kathmandu on Tuesday, resuming anti-Beijing 
protests after a brief lull.
Refugees got down from public buses near the walled premises of a visa 
office of the Chinese embassy, but were stopped by police from marching 
ahead.
Protesters, including nuns and monks demanding human rights in Tibet, 
then squatted and slept on the road before being picked up by police and 
hauled into trucks.
"If there is the word human rights in the United Nations dictionary it 
should be put into practice in Tibet," the Tibetan Volunteers Group in 
Nepal said in a leaflet distributed during the protests.
Impoverished Nepal considers Tibet as part of China, its influential 
neighbour and key donor as well as trade partner, and does not allow 
Tibetans to engage in anti-China activities.
Yet the exiles have been organising regular protests since the crackdown 
by China on protests in Lhasa and neighbouring areas in March.
More than 20,000 exiles have been living in Nepal since fleeing their 
homes after a failed uprising against Beijing in 1959.







http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3830f4aa-7454-11dd-bc91-0000779fd18c,dwp_uuid=9c33700c-4c86-11da-89df-0000779e2340.html?nclick_check=1

Tibetans to resume protests in Nepal
By Prateek Pradhan in Kathmandu
Published: August 27 2008 17:38 | Last updated: August 27 2008 17:38
Tibetan activists plan to resume protest rallies in front of the Chinese 
embassy in Kathmandu on Friday even though Nepal’s new Maoist-led 
government is expected to treat demonstrators harshly.
Nepal’s Tibetan residents, who number more than 15,000 and form the 
world’s largest population of Tibetan refugees after that of India, 
protested regularly at the embassy during the run-up to the Beijing 
Olympics, in spite of harsh police beatings and mass arrests.
The refugees are worried that the new government, which took office 
during the games, will be even less tolerant. Puspa Kamal Dahal, the new 
prime minister known by his nom de guerre Prachanda, was warmly welcomed 
to the closing ceremony in Beijing last weekend by Hu Jintao, Chinese 
president, making him the first Nepali prime minister to make China his 
first port of call rather than India.
Officials in the new government say they have no special affinity with 
China and say the Beijing visit was a coincidence of the timing of the 
games, despite their adherence to the political philosophy developed by 
Mao Zedong.
However, C.P. Gajurel, foreign department chief of the Communist Party 
of Nepal (Maoist), told the Financial Times that “the party will ask the 
government to stop” Tibetan demonstrations.
Upendra Yadav, the new foreign minister, said policy had not yet been 
set. “We will definitely discuss about Tibetan refugees but as we have 
not yet made any policy, I will not comment,” he said.
“China has given special attention to Nepal due to the Tibetan issue,” 
said Tashi, a 26-year-old Tibetan student born in Nepal. “If the new 
government constricts democratic space, we will be forced to move to 
western countries where there is freedom to raise our voice for free 
Tibet,” said Tashi, adding that he had participated in 80 per cent of 
rallies held in the capital.
Thakpa Tenzing, president of the Tibetan Youth Congress, is hopeful that 
the new government will allow peaceful movements. He also stressed that 
in spite of increasing pressure, his group would continue the peaceful 
rallies in Kathmandu that began in March, when riots broke out in Lhasa.
“Our protests have not stopped,” he said. “We will resume on August 29 
and 30.”







http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/24/asia/tibet.php

Tibetan exiles in Nepal protest Chinese rule

Reuters
Published: August 24, 2008

KATMANDU, Nepal: About 2,000 Tibetan exiles, including children, monks 
and nuns, joined a protest rally in Katmandu on Sunday, hours before the 
closing ceremony of the Olympics in Beijing.
Maroon-robed monks and nuns with shaven heads, some with Tibetan flags 
and placards calling for independence, were among the participants who 
walked silently for eight kilometers, or five miles on the outskirts of 
the Nepali capital.
Also Sunday, in Dharamsala in northern India, home of the Tibetan 
spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, hundreds of Tibetan youths marched, 
vowing to keep alive their "Free Tibet" campaign even after the Olympics.
Monks and nuns walked alongside ordinary Tibetans, shouting "Free Tibet" 
and "We want justice."
In Katmandu, the police kept a strict vigil and snatched some flags, but 
they let the march continue from the Boudha suburb to the ancient 
monastery of Swyambhu outside the main city.
Exiles called for fact-finding missions from the United Nations and 
other organizations to "assess the actual situation in Tibet and let the 
world know the truth."
More than 20,000 Tibetans live in Nepal, the second biggest home for 
them outside Tibet after India, having fled there after a failed 
uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.
Nepal, which considers Tibet part of China, which is an aid donor and 
trade partner for Tibet, says the exiles can stay in the impoverished 
nation but cannot organize any activities against its influential neighbor.
The refugees have managed to protest, however, and have tried to storm 
the Chinese consular office in Katmandu regularly since a crackdown on 
anti-China riots in Tibet in March.
About 10,000 refugees have been arrested in the past five months, but 
later freed.
Human Rights Watch, based in New York, said last month that the Nepali 
authorities were under pressure from Beijing to stop Tibetan protests, a 
charge China denied.
Nepal's new Maoist prime minister, Prachanda, also known as Pushpa Kamal 
Dahal, was in Beijing to attend the closing of the Olympics, and was to 
meet President Hu Jintao of China and other leaders and discuss 
Nepal-China relations.





http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/24/2344878.htm

Protesters rally against China regime in Sydney
Posted Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:24pm AEST
Updated Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:21pm AEST
• Map: Sydney 2000
As the Beijing Olympics prepares for the closing ceremony, protesters 
have gathered in Sydney to highlight what participants say is the 
oppressive regime of the Chinese Government.
Many of the protesters wore cloth masks over their mouths to draw 
attention to the censorship of the media by Chinese authorities.
In particular they have criticised the decision by a European satellite 
company to suspend its signal to an independent Chinese language 
broadcaster.
Former Australian Olympic swimmer Michelle Engelsman told the rally she 
did not attend the Beijing Games because China's human rights record 
destroyed her desire to compete.
"We also have to remember that there's many, many people in China who 
are experiencing repression and torture and death because of the 
Olympics," she said.
"[They] have been kicked out of their homes with little to no 
compensation, [and] aren't even allowed to protest and that's terrifying."





http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080831/himachal.htm#2

Tibetan protest: Life comes to halt
Tribune News Service
Dharamsala, August 30
Life came to a standstill at Macloedganj, also known as little Lhasa, 
due to worldwide symbolic action organised here today to free Tibet. All 
the business establishments, offices of Tibetan government remained closed.
Thousands of people, consisting of Tibetans and their supporters 
gathered at the Tsuglagkhang, the main temple, today. The Tibetan 
Solidarity Committee termed the today’s synchronised 12-hour prayer 
session and the symbolic fasting, which is held across the world, is one 
of the most important non-violent actions.
The chief justice commissioner, justice commissioners, speaker and 
deputy speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, Kalon Tripa Samdhong 
Rinpoche, members of the Kashag, members of Tibetan parliament, heads of 
the three independent bodies and other officials of the Central Tibetan 
Administration, participated in the non-violent action.
While addressing the gathering, Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche said that 
the universal prayer session and the symbolic fasting was aimed at 
achieving world peace and happiness for all sentient beings in the world 
in general, and particularly for people in China and Tibet.
We are immensely fortunate and grateful that the Dalai Lama has 
consented to take part in person here, but due to a slight indisposition 
this could not happen. However, he is observing the fast and prayer from 
Mumbai today and we convey our immense gratitude and respect to him, he 
said.
Underlining that the activity is not a protest borne out of hatred and 
anger, Kalon Tripa said that it was an effort to strengthen our 
commitment to non-violence and to reduce our own defilements and to 
create compassion in the minds of the oppressor.





http://news.indiainfo.com/2008/09/02/0809021613_tibetans_celebrate_democracy_day_suspend_protest_demonstrations.html

Tibetans celebrate 48th 'Democracy Day' in Delhi Tuesday, September 02, 
2008 16:11 [IST]

NEW DELHI: Tibetans celebrated their 48th "Democracy Day" on Tuesday and 
suspended protest demonstrations that were going on in the Indian 
capital since March against "atrocities in Tibet".
Scores of exiled Tibetans, holding their red-blue-yellow flag in pride, 
celebrated the day, which marks the beginning of the Tibetan government 
in exile in India.
Saying it was a directive from the Tibetan Solidarity Committee members 
in Dharamsala, Tenzin Lekshay of the committee said the protests against 
"atrocities in Tibet" going on in Delhi since March this year, have been 
temporarily suspended.
"The Tibetan parliament, which begins its monsoon session Sep 6,will 
decide whether the demonstration will continue or some other form of 
protest will be held instead. But for now, it is suspended," Lekshay said.
According to him, the "Tibetan Democracy Day" was introduced in 1960 
after the Dalai Lama escaped from Tibet. The Tibetan government in exile 
has been functioning since then and the day observed each year.
The Democracy Day at Jantar Mantar, the observatory in the heart of the 
business centre of the capital, began with the singing of the Tibetan 
anthem followed by the Indian national anthem.
Tempa Tsering, representative of the Dalai Lama, while speaking to the 
gathering, most of who had come down from Dharamsala, abode of the Dalai 
Lama, as well as Tibetan students from across Delhi, expressed gratitude 
at the amount of Indian support to the Tibetan cause.
Dharamsala is the seat of the Tibetan government in exile and the Dalai 
Lama has made the town his home along with thousands of his followers 
after he fled Tibet following a failed uprising in 1959.

Source : DNA







http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/index.php?sid=403936

Tibetans in exile protest Chinese Foreign Minister's arrival in India
________________________________________

ANI Monday 8th September, 2008
New Delhi, Sept 8 : Tibetans-in-exile took to streets in New Delhi to 
show their annoyance against visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang 
Jiechi who arrived in the national capital today.

The Tibetan protestors carrying Tibetan flags and shouting slogans 
condemned the alleged Chinese atrocities against the Tibetans in their 
homeland and demanded that Beijing should set Tibet free.

"We are here protesting against the visitor Chinese Finance Minister 
Yang Jiechi to India. We are protesting that China has illegally 
occupied Tibet for almost 60 years and they are brutally cracking down 
on the Tibetans inside Tibet, especially since the recent times on the 
peaceful protest inside Tibet. So we are letting him (Yang Jiechi) know 
that China should get out of Tibet and they should stop crackdown on 
Tibetan people," said Tsewang Rigzin, president of the Tibetan Youth 
Congress (
TYC).

The protesters shouted slogans urging the people of India and the world 
to help them in their cause of freedom of Tibet from China.

China has controlled Tibet since People's Liberation Army troops marched 
into the region in 1950 and Beijing considers Tibet as an integral part 
of its territory.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama fled into exile in 1959 after an 
abortive uprising against Chinese rule.

Critics accuse China of repressing Tibetans' religious aspirations, 
especially their veneration for the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual 
leader who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

China has accused followers of the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan 
Buddhist leader, of stirring riots and protests in Tibetan regions in 
March in a bid to upstage its Olympic preparations. The Dalai Lama has 
denied the claim and said he upheld China's right to host the Games.

But groups campaigning for an independent Tibet said the Beijing 
Olympics should be used as an opportunity to voice criticism of Chinese 
policy.






http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-20363.html

Tibetans in exile protest Chinese Foreign Minister's arrival in India
New Delhi, Sept 8 : Tibetans-in-exile took to streets in New Delhi to 
show their annoyance against visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang 
Jiechi who arrived in the national capital today.
The Tibetan protestors carrying Tibetan flags and shouting slogans 
condemned the alleged Chinese atrocities against the Tibetans in their 
homeland and demanded that Beijing should set Tibet free.

"We are here protesting against the visitor Chinese Finance Minister 
Yang Jiechi to India. We are protesting that China has illegally 
occupied Tibet for almost 60 years and they are brutally cracking down 
on the Tibetans inside Tibet, especially since the recent times on the 
peaceful protest inside Tibet. So we are letting him (Yang Jiechi) know 
that China should get out of Tibet and they should stop crackdown on 
Tibetan people," said Tsewang Rigzin, president of the Tibetan Youth 
Congress (TYC).

The protesters shouted slogans urging the people of India and the world 
to help them in their cause of freedom of Tibet from China.

China has controlled Tibet since People's Liberation Army troops marched 
into the region in 1950 and Beijing considers Tibet as an integral part 
of its territory.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama fled into exile in 1959 after an 
abortive uprising against Chinese rule.

Critics accuse China of repressing Tibetans' religious aspirations, 
especially their veneration for the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual 
leader who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

China has accused followers of the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan 
Buddhist leader, of stirring riots and protests in Tibetan regions in 
March in a bid to upstage its Olympic preparations. The Dalai Lama has 
denied the claim and said he upheld China's right to host the Games.

But groups campaigning for an independent Tibet said the Beijing 
Olympics should be used as an opportunity to voice criticism of Chinese 
policy.
--- ANI






http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-20402.html

Tibetans protest during Chinese foreign minister's visit
New Delhi, Sep 8 : At least eight Tibetan activists were taken into 
custody when they tried to barge into a hotel where External Affairs 
Minister Pranab Mukherjee was holding talks with his Chinese counterpart 
Yang Jiechi Monday evening, the police said.
Carrying Tibetan flags and shouting anti-China slogans, the activists 
tried to break the security cordon thrown around the Taj Mahal Hotel at 
the Mansingh Road around 5.30 p.m., police officials said.

They were immediately stopped by a large posse of policemen and were 
taken into preventive custody, the police said. The protesters were then 
whisked away to the Tughlak Road police station.

According to the police officials, the activists came in batches of two 
and three and wanted to lodge their protest against the Chinese 
“occupation of Tibet”.
--- IANS






http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/united-states/wen-jibiao-new-york-chinese-4677.html

New Yorkers Protest Wen Jiabao, Number Two of Chinese Regime
By Joshua Philipp
Epoch Times Staff Sep 23, 2008
Share: Facebook Digg del.icio.us StumbleUpon
PARK AVENUE PROTESTS: Protesters outside the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 
Midtown Manhattan, where Chinese official Wen Jiabao is staying. 
(Mingguo Sun/The Epoch Times)
NEW YORK—Arriving for the U.N. General Assembly's 63rd session, Chinese 
second-in-command, Wen Jiabao, was met by groups protesting the Chinese 
Communist Party’s (CCP) numerous human rights abuses.
Nearing the United Nations Plaza in Manhattan on Sept. 23, police stood 
at the corner of nearly every street, while lines of police cars 
patrolled the roads. Growing closer, the shouts of protesters could be 
heard from groups gathered near where the annual meeting of world peace 
was being held.
It is the first appearance by a high-ranking Chinese official following 
the Olympics, so protesters pointed to human rights abuses during the 
Olympics, which added to the CCP’s already-lengthy list of atrocities. 
Some lined up in quiet protest, holding signs and meditating, others 
waved flags, while others staged performing arts pieces portraying their 
concerns.
Just a few blocks from the U.N. building, along Park Avenue, protesters 
from Falun Gong, Tibetan groups, and others had also gathered in front 
of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel where the Chinese second-in-command will be 
staying. Some waved Tibetan flags, others passed out information 
packets, and each side of the road was lined with banners highlighting 
various human rights issues.
Banners from Falun Gong banners read, "Immediately Release Jailed Falun 
Gong Practitioners in China," and "China Stop Persecuting Falun Gong," 
while others called for the arrest of other CCP leaders deemed 
responsible for the worst abuses, saying, "Bring Jiang Zemin, Luo Gan, 
Liu Jin, Zhou Yongkang to Justice."
Former Canadian Official Corroborates Deadly Acts
Speaking at a rally, former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia 
Pacific, David Kilgour, discussed the extent of the CCP’s persecution of 
Falun Gong, a meditation practice that is based in the principles of 
Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance. Teamed with international human 
rights lawyer David Matas, Kilgour has conducted an independent 
investigation into allegations that the CCP has been killing Falun Gong 
practitioners and selling their vital organs.
“We amassed a substantial body of evidence and became convinced beyond 
any doubt that this crime against humanity has occurred and is still 
happening as I speak here today,” Kilgour said.
Kilgour explained that, in order to justify the persecution of Falun 
Gong to the Chinese people, the CCP has conducted a propaganda campaign 
to spread false information about the practice. “Before the persecution 
of Falun Gong began there were 70 to 100 million practitioners. The 
Party State of China began its propaganda in 1999 and it has demonized, 
dehumanized, and vilified the Falun Gong community across China since,” 
said Kilgour.
According to numerous witnesses, political prisoners and prisoners of 
conscience inside China are often sent to forced labor camps where they 
are made to manufacture products such as chopsticks and Christmas 
decorations exported to western countries. Kilgour commented on the 
issue: “This of course constitutes both corporate irresponsibility and 
violations of World Trade Organization rules. It’s pretty hard for 
Americans, Canadians, and others to compete with products from forced 
labor camps"
Tibetan Protests
Across the road, Tibetans had also come to protest Wen's arrival. 
According to the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, since Mar. 10, leading 
up to the Beijing Olympics, more than 209 Tibetans were killed and over 
5,714 were arrested while trying to protest the CCP’s suppression of 
their people.
“Hundreds of Tibetans are still in jail, still missing,” said Tenzin 
Dorjee, a member of Students for a Free Tibet. “As a result of the 
crackdown the cost was immense to the Tibetan people. Thousands of 
Tibetans were imprisoned and tortured, and hundreds were killed during 
the Chinese crackdown on the Tibetan people this year.”
Dorjee explained why the Tibetans had come to protest Jiabao’s arrival 
in the U.S. “This is not a protest against the Chinese people,” said 
Dorjee. “This is a protest against the Communist leaders and the Chinese 
government, which is not only oppressing the Tibetans, but also 
oppressing their own people. “
“We want to tell the world that they shouldn’t believe China’s lies. 
They shouldn’t believe the propaganda spin that Wen Jiabao is so good at 
putting on while he will address the U.N.,” said Dorjee.







http://rss.xinhuanet.com/newsc/english/2008-09/19/content_10079345.htm

Balinese protests against porn bill in Indonesia

JAKARTA, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Balinese legislators, artists and tourism 
operators join forces on Friday opposing the endorsement of the 
pornography bill by the Indonesian parliament.
Bikini-clad tourist center of Bali island may have to cover up if the 
law is passed across the country. The bill could be passed this week.
The Balineses came into the parliament building and met with several 
lawmakers, expressing their disagreement on the law endorsement.
"We want to see chairman of the House, and all others chairmen of 
factions," I Made Ariaye, a leader of the protesters said.
The porn bill is composed to define pornography and set a moral tone 
across Indonesia, which most of its 230 million population are Muslims.
Bali, mainly Hindu with easy-going lifestyle, is the center of tourist 
industry in the country with over 200,000 foreign tourist coming per month.
Indonesia tourist industry has been recovered from the hit of Asian 
financial crisis in 1997 and terrorism.
The bill has been supported by the country's largest party of Golkar but 
opposed by second biggest party of the Democratic Party of Struggle.






ASAP News
--------------------------------------------------

NGOs protest against draft pornography bill

Tempo Interactive - September 22, 2008

Rohman Taufiq, Surabaya -- Hundreds of people from
the East Java Civilian Community Network (JMSJ) and
other NGOs protested against the draft pornography
bill yesterday (21/9).

"We reject the draft bill as it only positions
women subjects," said Erma Susanti, the coordinator
of the protest.

Erma said the government did not need to make a new
state decree to stop issue as Indonesia already has
the protection of children and protection of women
state decrees.

"If the intention is to protect children and women,
just revise the two existing state decrees," said
Erma.

---------------------------------------------------






=================^==================================
I N D O L E F T - News service > >
=================^==================================

Eight protest actions to hit Jakarta today

Tempo Interactive - September 22, 2008

TMC/Ronald, Jakarta -- The Metro Jaya regional
police Traffic Management Centre (TMC) reports that
eight protest actions will be held in Jakarta today,
Monday September 22.

The first demonstration will be held by the Student
Movement of Legal Concern (GMPH) in front of the
National Police headquarters and the State Palace in
Central Jakarta at 9am.

At 10am, the Papua Anti-Corruption Customary
Community (KAPAK) will hold an protest action at
four locations starting at the Corruption
Eradication Commission offices, then moving on to
the Supreme Court, the Department of Home Affairs
and ending in front of the State Palace.

Also at 10am, the Teachers Reform Forum (FGR) will
hold a demonstration in front of the House of
Representatives (DPR) building in Central Jakarta.

Another protest action will also take place at the
DPR in relation to the draft anti-pornography law
which is currently being discussed by the DPR’s
working committee. Demonstrations against and in
support of the law have also spread to other parts
of the country such as Bali and Yogyakarta.

Next, the State Assets People's Saviours Movement
(GRPHN) will hold protest actions at three different
locations, the State Place, the Attorney General’s
Office and the central office of the state-owned
electricity company PT PLN.

Not far from the State Place at the Department of
Home Affairs, the Action Study Circle for Indonesian
Democracy (LSADI) will also be holding a
demonstration at the same time.

Another protest action is planned to take place at
the Department of Fisheries and Marine Affairs,
which will be continued at the offices of PT. Pusaka
Benjina Resource at the Wisma 99 building on Jl.
Iskandar Syah in South Jakarta.

The final demonstration is planned for 1pm and will
be held in front of the Supreme Court by the
People’s Sovereignty Forum.

[Translated by James Balowski from two articles in
Tempo Interactive.]

---------------------------------------------------

Hundreds rally in Bali against porn bill

Agence France Presse - September 23, 2008

Denpasar -- Hundreds of people protested Tuesday in
the Indonesian resort island of Bali against a
proposed anti-pornography law.

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika told the crowd
the bill overlapped with existing legislation and
trampled local customs in a country of ethnic,
religious and cultural diversity.

"The parliament should enforce other laws on the
sex industry but don't endorse a new law on
pornography, especially if that law only
accommodates a single group's perspective and
disrespects others'," he said.

He said regulations in the media law, the criminal
code, the broadcasting law and the child protection
law should be enough to control pornography and set
a moral tone for the country.

The bill before parliament in the mainly Muslim
country has drawn criticism for being too vague in
its definition of pornography and for encouraging
vigilante groups to take the law into their own
hands.

Critics in the mainly Hindu island of Bali say it
will threaten local religious and cultural
traditions, and hurt the lucrative tourism
industry.

The bill would criminalise all public acts and
material capable of raising sexual desires or
violating "community morality," including dance,
music and poetry.

About 1,000 people took part in the protest outside
the governor's mansion, the second such
demonstration against the bill in less than a week.
They performed traditional dances, songs and poems
that could be deemed pornographic under the broad
terms of the bill.

Activists have pledged to wage a campaign of civil
disobedience if the bill is passed into law, but
Governor Pastika said he would not support such
action. "We will think it over and find the best
way to respond," he said.

The bill has been pushed by conservative Muslim
parties and has won the backing of the main secular
Golkar party, which is struggling for votes ahead
of elections next year. Lawmakers have postponed a
vote on the bill until later this year in response
to the public outcry.

---------------------------------------------------

Yogyakarta, Surakarta people say porn bill a unity
threat

Jakarta Post - September 23, 2008

Slamet Susanto and Blontak Poer, Yogyakarta,
Surakarta -- Hundreds of residents in Yogyakarta
and Surakarta staged separate rallies Monday in
protest against the deliberation of the pornography
bill which they said potentially threatened both
national unity and freedom of expression.

Protesters in Yogyakarta held the rally at the
provincial legislative council on Jl. Malioboro.
Also joining the event were noted artists and
public figures such as Butet Kertaradjasa, Bakdi
Sumanto and Queen GKR Hemas.

After performing and giving speeches, they met with
legislators. Both parties then agreed to sign a
joint statement rejecting the pornography bill.

"We hope this agreement will inspire other regions
to take the same stand against the bill," said
Ahmad Sulistiono, the council's deputy speaker.

He said the council rejected the bill because it
could threaten the thriving traditions and cultures
of the Indonesian people.

The renowned "king of monologue" Butet Kertaradjasa
agreed, saying the pornography bill was not the
response to effectively curb pornography in the
country.

"The bill is not easy to implement. It is subject
to multiple interpretations, which could lead to
further unanticipated problems across the country,"
Butet said.

Woman activist Hapsa of the Yogyakarta Women's
Alliance said the pornography bill itself harasses
women. She said women and children, often victims
of sexual harassment, could even be taken to court
if the bill were to pass.

The peaceful rally continued at the Yogyakarta
state palace Gedung Agung, one kilometer from the
legislative council.

Noted transgender dancer Didik Nini Thowok and
dozens of other local performers staged traditional
dances until late in the afternoon, attracting
thousands of passersby.

Separately, in the Central Java town of Surakarta,
local artists marched to the municipal legislative
council, voicing similar objections.

Symbolizing their rejection of the pornography
bill, the demonstrators placed many tombak sewu (a
thousand spears) before the legislators' building.
Made from coconut leaf ribs, each topped with chili
peppers and red onions the natural sculptures
symbolize the warding away of evil.

Protest coordinator Murtidjono said the bill had
failed to accommodate articles which unambiguously
protect the traditional arts as well as rituals and
customs. "The bill is against our basic
constitution, the 1945 Constitution."

---------------------------------------------------

=================^==================================
I N D O L E F T - News service > >
=================^==================================

Four demos to hit Jakarta today, motorists advised
to be on alert

Detik.com - August 28, 2008

E. Mei/Amelia. R, Jakarta -- At least four protest
actions will strike the capital city today and
motorists are advised to be on the lookout for areas
that could potentially become congested.

According to the Metro Jaya regional police Traffic
Management Centre, the first demonstration will be
held by the Indonesian Youth Study Circle (LSPI) at
the offices of the National Agency for the Placement
and Protection of Overseas Labour (BNP2TKI) on Jl.
M.T. Haryono in Jakarta at 9.30am.

A protest action will also be held by PT Mayasari
Utama Trade Union workers at the offices of PT
Mayasari Utama on Jl. Lapangan Tembak in the Cibubur
area of East Timor between 8.30am and 1.30pm.

At 10am, demonstrators from TOP Guntur will be
holding a protest at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout
on Jl. M.H. Thamrin, which will then be continued at
the offices of the General Elections Commission on
Jl. Imam Bonjol in Central Jakarta.

Finally, the Solidarity Network for the Families of
Victims of Human Rights Violations (JSKKP-HAM) will
be holding a routine “Thursday” action in front of
the State Palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara in
Central Jakarta. The peaceful action will begin at
around 4pm. (mei/fiq)

[Translated by James Balowski.]

****************************************************

=================^==================================
I N D O L E F T - News service > >
=================^==================================

No letup to protests on first day of Ramadan fasting
month

Detik.com - September 1, 2008

Laurencius Simanjuntak, Jakarta -- It appears that
fasting is not deterring some people from taking to
the streets to voice their protests. The evidence
being that four demonstrations will take place in
Jakarta on the first day of the Ramadan fasting
month.

According to data from the Metro Jaya regional
police Traffic Management Centre for Monday
September 1, the first action will take place at 7pm
the Central Jakarta District Court on Jl. Gajah
Mada.

Following this at around 9.30am, a demonstration
will take pace at the National Agency for the
Placement and Protection of Overseas Labor (BNP2TKI)
on Jl. MT Haryono in South Jakarta.

Then between 10-11.30am, a protest will be held by a
group of people at the United Nations representative
offices on Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta and the
Batam authority representative offices on Jl. DI
Panjaitan in East Jakarta.

In the satellite city of Tangerang meanwhile, a
protest action will take place at the offices of PT
Langgeng Makmur. (ndr/lrn)

[Translated by James Balowski.]

****************************************************

---------------------------------------------------

Talangsari human rights victims demand compensation

Jakarta Post - September 6, 2008

Oyos Saroso H.N., Bandarlampung -- Stigmatized as
rebels, victims of the bloody Talangsari tragedy in
East Lampung asked the government on Friday to
rehabilitate their names and give them proper
compensation.

"The stigma of rebel is still applied to us since
our names have never been rehabilitated. Our
children and grandchildren had difficulties to find
jobs or to apply to be civil servants," Azwar
Kaili, one of the victims of the tragedy which
occurred in 1989, said.

The 74-year-old man hoped the government could soon
legally settle the human rights violation case and
give proper compensations to the victims.

Another victim of the tragedy, Jayus, who is now
living in Muara Dua, South Sumatra, said that
compensation was needed for the victims to continue
their lives. "The stigma was very hard. I had to
move from my village to continue our life," the 60-
year-old Jayus said.

The tragedy occurred in Cihideung hamlet,
Talangsari village, Rajabasa district, Central
Lampung regency, when a battalion from the Garuda
Hitam Lampung military command attacked the hamlet,
which was accused of sheltering a rebel group.

At least 246 people were reportedly killed as a
result of the military attack against the Warsidi-
led group, which had been based on a 3.5 hectare
plot in the hamlet. The government officially
acknowledged 27 deaths in the tragedy.

Meanwhile, coordinator of the impunity division of
the Committee for Missing Persons and Violence
Victims, Chrisbiantoro, praised the National
Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) for
reviewing the case.

"But Komnas HAM still failed to summon key persons
from the military who should be held responsible
for the human rights violation," Chrisbiantoro
said.

He suggested the rights commission should not just
investigate the rights abuses, but also examine the
material and intangible losses suffered by the
victims. He said the victims had lost their
properties, including land and cattle, as well as
job opportunities.

"Many of the victims and their families were
dismissed from their jobs since they were accused
of being involved in the tragedy," he said.

He said Komnas HAM should work hard to bring the
rights violations to court. "But it's difficult as
Komnas HAM has limited authority."

According to government regulations, victims of
gross human right violations can be given
compensation and their names rehabilitated once the
case concerned has been permanently resolved and
settled by the court. "As we know, it's not easy to
hold a human rights trial in Indonesia,"
Chrisbiantoro said.







---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------

Police gear up for KPU protests by Gus Dur
supporters

Jakarta Post - September 8, 2008

Dian Kuswandini, Jakarta -- Police are gearing up
for possible security breaches after National
Awakening Party (PKB) co-founder Abdurrahman "Gus
Dur" Wahid ordered his followers to besiege
election commission offices across the country.

"We have deployed personnel to guard election
commission offices in anticipation of any
unforeseen events," National Police spokesman Insp.
Gen. Abubakar Nataprawira said here Sunday.

On Friday, Gus Dur instructed PKB supporters loyal
to him to picket election commission offices across
the country, a move he said would deter the General
Elections Commission (KPU) from recognizing a rival
faction as the official representative of his
party.

The move came after the Jakarta State
Administrative Court ordered the KPU to postpone a
decree recognizing the PKB faction led by Muhaimin
Iskandar as an official contender in the 2009
legislative elections.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Ketut Untung
Yoga Ana confirmed he had been informed about the
possibility of a siege at the KPU office in
Menteng, Central Jakarta, but played down the
likelihood of conflict.

"According to the police intelligence unit, no such
riot will take place. They (Gus Dur's supporters)
just want to hold a hearing with the KPU to voice
their goals," Ketut said.

Central Jakarta deputy chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Herri
Wibowo said at least four companies of police -- or
about 400 officers -- were guarding the KPU office.

"Whether it (the siege plan) is true or not, we
will deploy personnel to anticipate any
disturbances," Herri added.

Security measures around the KPU office have been
heightened due to the potential for conflict
leading up to the general elections, Herri said.
Gus Dur's daughter Zannuba Arifah Chafsoh Rahman,
better known as Yenny Wahid, called for calm on
Sunday, saying her father's statement had been
misunderstood.

"The siege plan has been exaggerated. The truth is,
it's merely going to be our persuasive effort to
hold a dialogue with the KPU to make them recognize
Gus Dur's camp, as a result of the State
Administrative Court ruling," Yenny said.

The KPU has recognized the Muhaimin-led PKB
faction's eligibility to contest the 2009 election,
after the Supreme Court ruled Gus Dur's dismissal
of him as party chairman was illegal.

PKB secretary general Lukman Edy asked Gus Dur on
Sunday to withdraw his instruction, saying it was
an inappropriate political lesson for the public.

"It was far from Gus Dur's character as a national
leader," Lukman said, as quoted by Antara news
agency.

Certain individuals had likely convinced Gus Dur to
issue such an instruction, he added.

The PKB, the fifth-largest faction in the House of
Representatives, has been embroiled in a protracted
internal conflict, which began earlier this year
when Gus Dur dismissed Muhaimin as party leader.
Muhaimin, who is Gus Dur's nephew, challenged the
decision.

Both camps held separate extraordinary meetings in
early May. Muhaimin's camp renamed the House deputy
speaker as the party chairman and elected Azis
Mansyur as the party's chief patron. Gus Dur's camp
reelected the former president as the chief patron,
with Ali Masykur Musa elected the new party
chairman.

Muhaimin's camp has registered 485 candidates for
election to the House of Representatives with the
KPU, while Gus Dur's faction has proposed 78.

PKB secured 52 legislative seats in the 2004
legislative election, with East Java its main
stronghold.

***************************************************

---------------------------------------------------

Gus Dur supporters besiege KPUD

Jakarta Post - September 10, 2008

Suherdjoko and Desy Nurhayati, Semarang, Jakarta --
National Awakening Party (PKB) members affiliated
with Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid have besieged a
local elections commission office for the second
day in a row in protest against the registration of
legislative candidates from Muhaimin Iskandar's
rival camp.

The protesters, members of the Garda Bangsa youth
wing, carried a mock coffin bearing the name Abdul
Kadir Karding, a legislative candidate from the
Muhaimin faction.

They also brought an effigy of a corpse labeled as
the General Elections Commission (KPU), which, they
claim, is refusing to hear the truth.

Slogans on their posters read, "If Gus Dur abstains
from voting, so will we", "The PKB will break down
if Gus Dur resigns" and "Without Gus Dur we
retreat".

Police allowed protest coordinators only to enter
the Central Java General Elections Commission
(KPUD) office targeted in the protest.

Coordinator Yusuf Chudlori was met by local KPUD
officials Ida Budhiati, Ari Pradhanawati and Slamet
Sudjono.

Chudlori called on the KPU to be consistent in
upholding the law and to respect the PKB's internal
guidelines.

According to a Supreme Court ruling, the leadership
of the PKB should revert to that decided during the
Semarang convention.

During the convention, Gus Dur was named chairman
of the Syuro board of patrons, Muhyidin Arubusman
as secretary, Muhaimin Iskandar as the Tanfidz
executive council chairman and Lukman Edy as
secretary-general.

Chudlori added that the PKB's central executive
board had determined the leadership structure of
the Central Java executive board, naming KH Hayatun
Abdullah Hadziq as chairman, Asryrofi Masyito as
secretary of the Syuro board with Yusuf Chudlori as
chairman, and Muhammad Hendri Wicaksono as
secretary of the Tanfidz council.

Chudlori also sought to know on what grounds the
KPUD had accepted the registrations of Abdul Kadir
Karding and Fuad Hidayat, who registered on behalf
of the party's provincial executive board.

Central Java KPUD member Slamet Sudjono said his
office had worked according to its functions and
authority.

"The election law stipulates that the KPU will ask
for clarification from a party's central executive
board in the event of double leadership. And if the
board also has double leadership, then the KPU will
ask for clarification from the Justice and Human
Rights Ministry," he said.

In Jakarta, State Secretary Hatta Rajasa rejected
claims by Gus Dur that President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono had intervened in the decision to approve
lists of PKB legislative candidates from Muhaimin
Iskandar's camp.

The decision was entirely the responsibility of the
KPU, he said.

"The President has never had any intervention in
the KPU because the commission is independent. It
is common for the government to communicate with
the KPU, but any communication is always in line
with the law," Hatta said at the State Palace.

He said the approval of the PKB legislative
candidates was an internal matter for the PKB, and
thus not the President's concern.

---------------------------------------------------







---------------------------------------------------

Monas rally ambush witnesses announce trial boycott

Jakarta Post - September 16, 2008

Indah Setiawati, Jakarta -- Witnesses from the
National Alliance for the Freedom of Faith and
Religion (AKKBB) announced they would boycott
trials on the June ambush at the National Monument
(Monas) park after one of their activists was
assaulted outside the courtroom Monday.

"We plan to boycott the upcoming trials because the
prosecutors have failed to protect us. We feel
intimidated," M. Guntur Romli, an AKKBB activist as
well as a victim and witness of the June ambush,
told The Jakarta Post.

He said during the trial of the Islam Troop Command
leader Munarman, he had asked a police officer
guarding the trial why seven of the 10 suspects in
the ambush, purportedly members of the Islam
Defender Front (FPI), were allowed to wander freely
outside the courtroom.

"They defendants were laughing and chatting with
their fellow FPI members during Munarman's trial. I
don't understand why they were not in detention,"
Guntur said. The police officer said he did not
recognize the seven, so Guntur asked another
activist, Nong Darol, to check with the
prosecutors.

"Nong told the police the seven people were
suspects. The policeman started to scold me
instead, saying 'What are you up to?' repeatedly,"
Guntur said.

He said the police officer's loud voice attracted
the attention of many FPI members.

"They surrounded us, one of them beat Nong on her
forehead and abdomen. Some plainclothes officers
then took us to a witness room while others tried
to hold the seven suspects who had harassed us," he
said.

Guntur said the activists were also considering two
other options besides a boycott: mobilizing more
people to protect AKKBB witnesses during the trial
or reporting the assault to the police.

"The court cannot protect us, the witnesses," he
said, adding the defendants and their supporters
should be strictly supervised.

A lawyer representing FPI, Achmad Michdan, said FPI
members would not beat a woman. "But there was a
woman attending the hearing whose comments
infuriated other defendants who had just finished
their hearing in a separate courtroom," he told the
Post.

On June 1, AKKBB staged a peaceful rally in support
of the Ahmadiyah community and to celebrate the
63rd anniversary of the establishment of the
Pancasila state ideology.

Ahmadiyah, a minority Islamic sect, has been dubbed
heretical and therefore their activities have been
restricted by the government.

Some 70 activists attending the rally were injured
when allegedly attacked by FPI adherents.

Earlier in the day, the trial of FPI leader Rizieq
Shihab turned ugly as the defendant's supporters
began to protest against presiding judge Panusunan
Harahap for failing to rule on the defendant's
request his detention be suspended.

Panusunan, who had already had one FPI supporter
removed from the courtroom for contempt of court,
immediately adjourned the hearing.

FPI lawyer Ari Yusuf Amir said the panel of judges
was biased. "If the judges show prejudice, there
should be no trial at all," he said.

---------------------------------------------------







---------------------------------------------------

Woman groups refuse pornography bill

Jakarta Post - September 14, 2008

Jakarta -- A coalition of women's groups has
refused a bill on pornography, saying it would
restrict women's freedom of expression.

"The bill regulates something that shouldn't be
regulated. It would restrict women's freedom of
expression. It's not that we are pro-pornography,
but they (lawmakers) regard women only as objects,
not subjects," Kalyanamitra women's group director
Rena Herdiyani said at a press conference in
Jakarta on Sunday.

The coalition said the bill was vague due to its
unclear definition of pornography and tendency to
criminalize victims of pornography. They also said
the bill was a politicization of the human body and
sexuality issues.

"Article 1 Chapter 1 (of the bill), for example,
says pornography is manmade sex materials in the
form of pictures, sketches, illustrations, photos,
text, sound, moving pictures, animation, cartoons,
lyrics, conversations, bodily movements or other
forms of communication in other mediums and/or
public performances that can arouse sexual desire
and/or violate moral values in society," said Estu
Rakhmi Fanani, director of Women's Legal Aid
Foundation (LBH APIK).

According to Ade Kusumanintyas, program coordinator
at Islamic women's group Rahima, the definition
allowed for loose interpretation of materials and
considered public human work, lyrics and dances, as
pornography.

"Such definitions have the potential to criminalize
anyone over subjective perceptions. If this bill is
passed, wearing mini skirts or tank-tops could be
punishable for arousing sexual desires. The same
for not wearing a jilbab," she said. (dre)

---------------------------------------------------







http://www.antara.co.id/en/arc/2008/9/15/imw-protests-illegal-fishing-in-indonesian-waters/

09/15/08 18:42
IMW protests illegal fishing in Indonesian waters


Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Some 50 people grouped in Indonesian Maritime 
Watch (IMW) staged a rally in front of the National Police Headquarters 
in South Jakarta on Monday to protest against illegal fishing in 
Indonesian waters.

In their peaceful rally, the protesters demanded that security agencies 
make concerted efforts to stop illegal fishing in the country as soon as 
possible.

They said illegal fishing was causing the state a loss of Rp30 trillion 
every year.

According to the protesters, illegal fishing was the same as corruption 
and therefore the security agencies and law enforcers must take firm 
action against the perpetrators.

The IMW demonstrators also said many government officials were involved 
in illegal fishing activity but to date they had not been touched by the 
law.

Early this month, the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry (DKP) nabbed 
five Thai and four Vietnamese fishing boats in Indonesia`s Natuna waters.

Meanwhile, a spokesman of the directorate general of fisheries and 
marine resources management and control, Aji Sularso, said here recently 
that at least 186 foreign fishing boats had been nabbed this year for 
poaching in Indonesian waters.









http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/southasia/news/article_1431597.php/Nepalese_judges_on_strike_to_protest_corruption_allegations_

Nepalese judges on strike to protest corruption allegations
South Asia News
Sep 18, 2008, 8:56 GMT
Kathmandu - Judges in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu halted work for two 
hours Thursday to show their displeasure over corruption allegations by 
the head of the country's bar association.
The unprecedented move by the judges followed public comments by Biswo 
Kant Mainali, president of the Nepal Bar Association earlier this week 
who accused the judges of rampant corruption in return for favourable 
verdicts.
The judges of two appellate courts as well as three district courts in 
Kathmandu valley went on strike, suspending scheduled hearings.
'We decided to stay away from work for two hours to symbolically condemn 
the corruption allegations made against us by the bar president,' 
appellate court judge Keshari Raj Pandit said.
'The remarks have demoralized and hurt the sentiments of the judges.'
During a speech in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Mainali alleged that becoming a 
judge amounted to an 'open license for corruption.'
When contacted by Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa on Thursday, Mainali 
refused to comment on the issue.
The latest row highlights the souring of relations between the bar and 
the bench.
In July, the bar association decided to analyze controversial judgements 
in what it said was an attempt free the judiciary from corruption.
The move was heavily criticized by the judges including the chief 
justice, describing it as an attack on judicial independence.
Media reports said there was growing pressure on the Supreme Court by 
judges to initiate contempt of court charges against Mainali.
The reports said the issue could be debated by the Supreme Court as 
early as next week.
It is the first time that Nepal's judges have halted work to protest 
accusations against them.
There is a widespread perception among the Nepalese public that judges 
are regularly bribed by criminal organizations bend verdicts in their 
favour.






http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/22/asia/AS-Nepal-Lawyers-Protest.php

Lawyers' protest shuts down courts in Nepal

The Associated Press
Published: September 22, 2008

KATMANDU, Nepal: Thousands of lawyers across Nepal launched a boycott of 
the courts Monday to protest the Supreme Court's decision to ban the bar 
association chairman after he alleged widespread corruption among the 
country's judiciary.
The Supreme Court judges announced a six-month ban on Nepal Bar 
Association Chairman Biwokanta Mainali last week for saying being a 
judge was like being given a license to take bribes.
The bar association reacted by deciding to boycott the courts starting 
Monday until the decision is rescinded.
Thousands of defense attorneys stayed away from the courts across the 
nation, bringing the justice system to a standstill.
"We will continue to boycott the courts and refuse to take part in 
proceedings until they withdraw their decision to ban our chairman," 
said Nar Bahadur Shahi of the association.

Allegations have surfaced in the past that some judges have taken bribes 
when deciding cases, but no evidence has ever been brought to court.





http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/09/17/2366509.htm

Hundreds protest against Nepal crackdown on 'nude' discos
Posted Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:35am AEST
Updated Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:47am AEST
Hundreds of disco workers protested in Kathmandu on Monday against a 
Government crackdown on "nude dancing" in its bid to improve the 
deteriorating law and order.
Police have raided scores of discos, nightclubs and dance bars in the 
past two weeks and detained 1,500 people saying many were running bars 
where "nude dances" were performed, not allowed by law in the Hindu 
majority society.
There are hundreds of such night spots in the Kathmandu valley, although 
the country has no specific law to regulate them.
A Maoist-led government which took power in August has already ordered 
the bars should be closed an hour before midnight, to halt worsening 
public security in the capital, home to more than 2 million people.
Bar and disco operators are protesting the move would jeopardise their 
business and render 80,000 people jobless.
-Reuters






http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Nepalese_protest_against_nude_discos_shutdown/rssarticleshow/3486518.cms

Nepalese protest against nude discos shutdown
15 Sep 2008, 2112 hrs IST, REUTERS

KATHMANDU: Hundreds of disco workers protested in Kathmandu on Monday 
against a government crackdown on "nude dancing" in its bid to improve 
the deteriorating law and order.

Police have raided scores of discos, nightclubs and dance bars in the 
past two weeks and detained 1,500 people saying many were running bars 
where "nude dances" were performed, not allowed by law in the Hindu 
majority society.

There are hundreds of such night spots in the Kathmandu valley, although 
the country has no specific law to regulate them. A Maoist-led 
government which took power in August has already ordered the bars 
should be closed an hour before midnight, to halt worsening public 
security in the capital, home to more than two million people.

Bar and disco operators are protesting the move would jeopardise their 
business and render 80,000 people jobless. Police official Sarbendra 
Khanal said those dancing nude in bars as well as their clients would be 
charged under the public offence act. If found guilty, they can be 
sentenced to jail of up to one year and a fine of $400.






http://www.newstin.com/tag/us/76716268

Nepalese protests disrupt capital travel


moldova.org
Sep 12, 2008 2 related

Traffic in Kathmandu was disrupted Friday as protesters disputed the 
facts of a recent civilian death, police in the Nepalese capital say. 
While police officials have maintained that Pradip Khadka, 38, died this 
week as a result of motorcycle crash injuries, protesters Friday alleged 
that the civilian had been the victim of police brutality, Nepalnews 
reported.






http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/sep/sep12/news07.php#1

Alleged police brutality sparks protests in Kathmandu
A shutdown strike called by Nepali Congress affiliated Nepal Student 
Union (NSU) and other sister organisations has partially affected normal 
life in the capital Friday.
With angry protesters marching the streets vehicular traffic was badly 
affected in the morning, leading to closure of many schools in the valley.
However, the traffic gradually returned to normal in the afternoon, but 
some areas still remained tense due to student protests.

Activists of Nepal Student Union confront the riot police at Padma Kanya 
Campus...

The protest was called against the alleged murder of NC cadre Pradip 
Khadka, 38, of Katari VDC-4 in Udaypur district, by the police Wednesday 
night in Lalitpur. Khadka was a construction entrepreneur by profession.
Police say Khadka died at Patan Hospital due to injuries he sustained in 
a motorbike accident. Eyewitness accounts however suggested that he was 
severely tortured by the policemen, which could be the cause of the death.
The Kathmandu Post quoted an eyewitness as saying that police had blown 
whistle to stop Khadka's motorcycle at Balkumari Chowk as he was on his 
way home at about 9:15 pm.
Five policemen allegedly pounced on him alleging that he had stopped his 
two-wheeler some few meters away from the spot. The eyewitness said the 
policemen started beating him up, reminding him of the directives of new 
Home Minister, Bam Dev Gautam.
"Forgive me, if there is any mistake on my part. Please don't kill me. 
Take me to Hanumandhoka or another place. Take action against me but 
don't beat me up," the eyewitness quoted deceased Khadka as pleading.
The eyewitness said that despite the pleas the police continued beating 
him with wooden planks, sticks and boots before taking him to hospital, 
where he was pronounced dead.
Khadka's family members refused to receive the body yesterday as police 
claimed he died in an accident.
Police have come down heavily on Kathmandu's night life, stepping up 
security and night-time checking since last few days following the order 
by Home Minister Gautam.
The NSU meanwhile has warned of stronger protests if the government 
failed to invite them for talks by Friday evening. nepalnews.com ia/ag 
Sep 12 08






http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/sep/sep11/news16.php

Lalitpur tense after one dies in police action
After one Pradeep Khadka died in what witnesses accuse of police 
excesses, the Balkumari area of Lalitpur district remained tense the 
whole day on Thursday.

With bricks in their hands Nepal Student Union...

Khadka – who is a son of a Nepali Congress (NC) leader Arjun Khadka – is 
said to have died of police beating on Wednesday night.
Khadka was riding a motorcycle when he was stopped by policemen for 
'checking' at Balkumari.
Some witnesses have said the police severely thrashed him before taking 
him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Protesting the police excesses, people demonstrated in Balkumari area 
and even burnt tyres.
Police have stepped up security and night-time checking since last few 
days following the order by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister 
Bamdev Gautam. nepalnews.com Sep 11 08





http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-26958.html

Indians protest as Nepal slaps cess on incoming vehicles
Kathmandu, Sep 27: Protests have begun erupting on the India-Nepal 
border as the Nepal government began slapping an entry cess on Indian 
vehicles entering the Himalayan republic.
The Bahujan Samaj Party of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati led the 
demonstrations Thursday in the Dasjagga area in Sunauli-Maharajgunj and 
stopped all vehicular traffic for three hours to protest the entry tax.

The protests were also taken up by local chambers of commerce in India 
and a local organisation, the Hindi Yuva Vahini.

The new tax was declared by Nepal's Finance Minister Baburam Bhattarai 
when he unveiled the Maoist government's first budget earlier this month.

However, the clause went unnoticed in the long budget speech and came to 
public notice only this week when Nepali authorities began slapping the 
entry tax on Indian vehicles.

According to the new budgetary provisions, trucks, pickups and tractors 
entering India for a day would have to pay NRS 904, cars and minibuses 
NRS 452 while two-wheelers would have to pay NRS 113.

In addition, all the incoming Indian vehicles would also have to pay 13 
percent VAT on the cess.

Protesters have submitted a memorandum to police authorities at the 
Nepali border town of Rupandehi, asking for the tax to be withdrawn.

They are also asking for action against the alleged extortion from 
Indian vehicle owners at the Nepali side and demanding security for 
drivers and their helpers.

The protesters say that Nepali cars entering India temporarily do not 
have to pay any such tax.

According to a pact signed by India and Nepal in 1950, the two 
neighbours are committed to treat each other's citizens as their own. 
The tax violates the India-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950.

However, the new Maoist-led government of Nepal says it wants all 
bilateral pacts with India to be scrapped or reviewed.
--- IANS