Bangkok, 13 March 2008 - The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) (AAPPB) and the Forum For Democracy in  Burma (FDB) will launch the "Free Burma's Political Prisoners Now!" campaign today in Thailand to mark International Human Rights Day. The campaign demands the release of the 1,873 political prisoners detained in jails throughout Burma and condemns the use of systematic torture, the failed judicial system and targeted harassment of political prisoners' families.
 
The campaign in Thailand, England, Japan, South Korea and Canada calls upon the international community including the United Nations to step up efforts for the unconditional release of prisoners of conscience in Burma through an online petition on the campaign site: www.fbppn.net to be submitted to the United Nations Security Council.
 
The Burmese ruling military regime, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) denies the existence of political prisoners which human rights group report increased following the brutal crackdown on non-violent pro-democracy demonstrators and Buddhist monks in September 2007 during the "Saffron Revolution". 
 
A photography exhibition displaying portraits of political prisoners, testimony about forms of punishment and courageous activities  by political prisoners inside notorious jails including Insein Prison will be opened after keynote remarks to be delivered by Ms. Sunee Chairod, Commissioner National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Thailand, Mr. Surapong Kongchantuk Lawyer Council of Thailand and Members of Human Rights Sub-Committee on Ethnic Minorities, Stateless,  Migrant Workers and Displaced Persons, Mr.Boontan Tansuthep-veravong, Director of Amnesty