Burmese army under fire from international Catholic groups

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International Catholic organizations condemn the actions of the Burmese military, which has continued to crack down on protesters since its February 1 coup.

SIGNIS, Pax Christi International and the Focolare movement issued a joint statement expressing their solidarity with the citizens of Myanmar.

In Seoul, South Korea, Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung wrote to Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, and expressed concern over the ruthless military actions.

On March 15, the Burmese army killed more than 125 demonstrators, according to the Yangon-based political prisoners’ rights association.

The three Catholic organizations said in a joint statement on March 15 that they had heard the message from the Burmese people that “this coup is essentially about overthrowing them, their will.”

“We deplore the extreme authoritarianism which saw fit to trample on the nation’s constitution, which in fact allowed limited democracy while retaining much of the power of the armed forces,” the joint statement said.

“Ultimately, it is not about eliminating political opponents or supposed public order. It undoes years of patient work for basic citizens’ rights and crushes the tenuous dreams of a free and democratic country,” he said. communicated.

The three groups joined the United Nations and other human rights organizations calling for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other detained Myanmar officials and leaders. They called on the military to stop using violence and arbitrarily detaining peaceful protesters and journalists. They demanded justice and accountability for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya people and other ethnic minorities, as well as the prevention of such crimes and abuses in the future.

Cardinal Yeom told Cardinal Bo that he is joining the people of Myanmar.

“I strongly support the Burmese and their aspiration for democracy, and I really hope that they will recover it very soon,” he wrote. “Please know that all the clergy, religious and faithful of the Archdiocese of Seoul sincerely pray for the reestablishment of true democracy in the country.”

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Cardinal Yeom requested the intercession of Mary for all the people of Myanmar.

Christine Schraner Burgener, the UN special envoy to Myanmar, condemned the continued bloodshed as the military defied international calls, including from the UN Security Council, for restraint, dialogue and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“The continued brutality, including against medical personnel and the destruction of public infrastructure, seriously undermines any prospect of peace and stability,” she said in a statement on March 14. “The international community, including regional actors, must come together in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations.

She said she had heard from contacts in Myanmar heartbreaking accounts of killings, mistreatment of protesters and torture of prisoners.

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