Abhaya

- Includes 244 portraits of former political prisoners, 57 taken at risk inside Burma, working with underground networks - Celebrates the anniversary of Aung San Suu Kyi's release from house arrest - Records the fearless struggle for democracy by the Burmese - A unique approach to highlighting the plight of political prisoners In 1962, a military coup lead by General Ne Win saw Burma, an isolated Buddhist country in South-East Asia, come under the power of one of the world's most brutal regimes. For the past five decades, thousands of people have been arrested, tortured and given long prison sentences for openly expressing their beliefs. Today, more than 2,000 political prisoners including monks, students, journalists, lawyers, elected Members of Parliament and over 300 members of Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party, The National League for Democracy, are incarcerated in horrendous conditions in Burma's notorious prisons. In Burma and accross the world, hundreds of former political prisoners have come together to raise awareness of the tragic plight of their colleagues still detained in jail. Abhaya: Burma's Fearlessness is part of an international appeal for their liberation. Photographed standing with their right hand raised, palm out-turned facing the camera, the name of a current political prisoner is shown written on their hand. The sacred Buddhist gesture of Abhaya, 'Fear Not', is not only an act of silent protest, but also one of remembrance and fearlessness. The people featured in this book have all had to learn to face their fears squarely during the decades they have passed in the struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma. Their commitment has been their courage. It is important that they and what they stand for should not be forgotten, that their suffering as well as their aspirations should be remembered. James Mackay has contributed greatly towards this vital remembrance, which is essential if our world is to become a progressively safer, kinder home for humanity. I hope that all who read this book will be encouraged to do everything they can to gain the freedom of political prisoners in Burma and to create a world where there are no political prisoners. Aung San Suu Kyi