Schiff Welcomes the Release of Aung San Suu Kyi from Detention in Burma
Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Adam Schiff released the following statement today in response to the news that Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been released from house arrest. Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and she is the leading advocate for democracy and human rights in Burma. She has spent 15 of the last 21 years under house arrest despite winning the country’s last democratic election in 1990, which was annulled by the military regime.
"I welcome the release of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and only wish that she had been released earlier in order to contest the sham elections just held by the Burmese junta.
"Throughout her years of house arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi's mute opposition to Burma's military dicatorship was a beacon of hope to the Burmese people and to millions of others around the world.
"Like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther-King, Aung San Suu Kyi's dignity in the face of brutality and her commiment to a better future for all of her nation's people is a testament to human fortitude. She is a remarkable person and I stand with her and her people and call upon Burma's rulers to allow her full freedom of movement and of expression."
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