Highlighting human rights abuse in Burma

SIR - I imagine that, in common with the large number of local residents who are members of the Welwyn Hatfield & East Herts Group of the international human rights organisation Amnesty International, some of your readers have been astonished to learn

SIR - I imagine that, in common with the large number of local residents who are members of the Welwyn Hatfield & East Herts Group of the international human rights organisation Amnesty International, some of your readers have been astonished to learn through the national media of the recent bizarre events in Burma.

These have seen the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi - a Nobel Peace Prize laureate - put on trial because an American intruder, against her wishes, entered her house where she has been held under repressive house arrest for more than 13 years.

In that country, ruled by a brutal military junta for many years, there are currently more than 2,100 political prisoners.

In addition, the human rights of the country's people are fiercely violated day after day in a range of ways.

On Saturday (May 30) the group will set up its stall on the green between John Lewis and Debenhams where supporters will provide an opportunity for local citizens to join them in their campaign for Aung San Suu Kyi's release and for the restoration of human rights in Burma through adding their names to some petitions and letters to the United Nations, Burma's fellow member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations and relevant ministers of the UK Government and the European Union.

On behalf of my colleagues, I ask for their support.

I will be pleased to provide information about the abuses of human rights in Burma or receive any offers of help if telephoned on 01707 320510.

Reg Pyne OBE,

Burma caseworker,

Welwyn Hatfield & East Herts Amnesty International Group.