Motueka's adopted political prisoner freed

June 3rd, 2011

The Motueka Amnesty International Group is celebrating a huge success with news that the second of two men supported by the Motueka group in recent times has been released from custody in Myanmar (formerly Burma).

Their first particular prisoner of conscience was Father Nguyen van Ly in Vietnam. He was released last year. Now their second prisoner of conscience, Zayar Thaw, was released last week.

"What a tremendous result for all our advocacy and our constant letters," said triumphant AI member Gail Bayne of Motueka. "Two men released is such a pleasing result."

The group are celebrating with the showing of a film "This Prison Where I Live" at the State Cinema on Monday June 13th at 7.30pm. The film is about a comedian from Myanmar who has been imprisoned for making jokes about the repressive government of his country. No one likes having fun poked at them but surely imprisonment is a somewhat drastic reaction.

Tickets are $10.00 per person paid at the door, with all profits going to the Amnesty cause. "We would also welcome any persons who would like to join our very friendly group. You, too, can work for human rights. Together we can make a difference," said Gail.

Motueka Amnesty International's main activity is to write letters to the government of our prisoner, to New Zealand's Department of external affairs, to embassy officials, and anyone else who they might think could influence matters.

At Freedom Week and at the Motueka A&P Show they have a petition drawn up for people to sign, which is then sent off to the appropriate embassy. There is also a very active group at the High School.

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