Congressman Crowley on the Release of Political Prisoners in Burma

Statement

Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) issued the following statement on the release of political prisoners by Burma's military regime:

"There's no doubt I am glad a number of innocent civilians being held as political prisoners have been released, but I am disappointed that this step does not include the release of all individuals that are being wrongfully held. Bold and significant actions, not just words, are needed for true democratic reform in Burma. I hope Burma's military regime will do the right thing and release all remaining political prisoners, and I urge them to do so immediately and unconditionally."

Crowley has a long track-record advocating for human rights in Burma. Most recently, he has successfully led efforts to renew sanctions on Burma's military regime, enact the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act and award Aung San Suu Kyi the Congressional Gold Medal for her advocacy on behalf of the Burmese people. Crowley has also strongly advocated for the Administration to work proactively to establish an international investigation into crimes against humanity committed by the Burmese military, and worked to protect Burmese refugees who have fled to refugee camps in Thailand, India and Bangladesh.

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