BURMESE ORGAZATION'S NEWS
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Mawdsley set to start a Landslide
Press Release 8th November 2000
James Mawdsley the Christian human rights protester, freed from prison in Burma, will speak publicly for the first time at a 'Landslides Tour' in November, organised by the human rights group Jubilee Campaign.
The 'Landslides Tour' which will go to Liverpool, Guildford and London will an opportunity for James to speak about his experiences and faith while in prison and why he was prepared to sacrifice his freedom in this way. Jubilee who led the campaign for James' freedom, hope that the tour will mobilise Christians to challenge global injustice.
'What I have done in Burma is only one drop in the ocean.' James Mawdsley told Jubilee Campaign, 'If change is ever going to come to that nation it will be through the efforts of every single one of us. I want to use my experience in Burma to tell people that there is hope and that we can make a difference.'
James entered Burma legally and made his peaceful protest on August 31st last year against the junta’s genocide of the Karen, Karenni and Shan ethnic minorities and the suppression of democracy in Burma. Over 30,000 Karen civilians have died as a direct or indirect result of Burmese military action since 1992 alone.
James was freed from his incarceration in Kengtung prison on October 20th this year after spending 416 days in solitary confinement and experiencing harsh conditions including a severe beating by 15 Burmese guards. Despite the junta's best effort, James refused to compromise on the truth in exchange for his freedom.
James will be joined by the cross-bench peer, Lord Alton of Liverpool who worked tirelessly for James' release and will give a picture of human rights abuses around the world. Lord Alton who has travelled to Burma and has seen for himself the genocide happening against the ethnic minorities in Burma, will base his speech on the slogan 'Landslides happen when small stones start to move.'
All are welcome at The Landslides Tour at the following locations:
Liverpool: November 17th 7.30pm @ Catholic Chaplaincy, Mount Pleasant L3 5TQ
Guildford: November 28th 7.30pm @ St Saviours Church, Woodbridge Rd, GU1 4QD
London: November 29th 7.30pm @ Kingsway International Christian Centre, Hackney. E15 2EE
For more information - please contact Mark Rowland on 01483 894 787 or e-mail info@jubileecampaign.co.uk