Sir, - On October 9th you printed a letter of mine calling attention to the plight of the human rights activist James Mawdsley, who had been sentenced to 17 years in prison in Burma for daring to protest against genocide of the Karen ethnic minorities in that unfortunate country. The most wonderful news is that James has been released from prison as a result of international pressure on the Burmese military dictatorship. The utter barbarity of these people, who beat James Mawdsley with bamboo poles for three consecutive days while he was held in solitary confinement, shocked the civilised world.
It is important to remember the 1,400 political prisoners who continue to suffer in prisons in Burma and the unspeakable cruelty of this vicious regime. It is a corrupt dictatorship which must be treated as the pariah it is. The international community must continue to apply unceasing pressure for a full restoration of democracy and basic human right in Burma. It would appear that the Burmese authorities are not deaf to international criticism after all.
James Mawdsley has said that it was his faith in God and steadfast belief in the rightness of his cause which kept him sane in those dark moments. Yes, we must not lose sight of the extraordinary, healing power of prayer and our deep need of a God of infinite love. - Yours, etc.,
Anthony Redmond, North Great George' Street, Dublin 1.