This Friday, 8 August, marks the 20th anniversary of Burma’s biggest ever democracy uprising when hundreds of thousands of people across Burma bravely marched through the streets demanding an end to military dictatorship. Soldiers fired on crowds of unarmed protesters, killing thousands. Today there remain over 2000 political prisoners in Burma, many subjected to brutal torture and denied medical care.

There are a number of events being organised around London for Friday to mark this anniversary and to continue the voice of protest:

Demonstration outside the Burmese Embassy
1-2pm Friday 8 August
19A, Charles Street,
London W1J 5DX
Nearest tube: Green Park

Monument to Political Prisoners
Opening ceremony to unveil a glass monument to political prisoners in Burma.
Time: 10.30am to 12:00
Venue: Peace Garden
Imperial War Museum
St George’s Road, London SE1 6ER
Nearest Tube: Elephant & Castle

Exhibition on Political Prisoners in Burma
Time: 18:00 to 22:00
Venue: Rooms G-50, 51, 52
School of Oriental and African Studies
University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG
Free entrance. Refreshments will be provided.
Nearest Tube: Russell Square

And on Saturday 9 August …

Bike Ride for Burma
To commemorate 8th August 1988, the Burmese community has organised a bike ride in London from Queen Anne’s Gate, St James’s Park to Speakers Corner, Hyde Park Corner.
Details: Meet at 1200 at Queen Anne’s Gate entrance of St James’s Park. Nearest tube: St James’s Park (District & Circle). The ride will conclude at Hyde Park Corner at 1400.

If you cannot take part in the bike ride, you’re welcome to come along for a picnic in Hyde Park, near Speakers Corner at 2pm. For more details of the route and other information, see
www.burmapoliticalforum.org