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ASEAN 'exploiting terror war'
That means they're doing too much, of course. This is from al-Jizz...
Human rights groups have accused Southeast Asian nations of using the so-called war against terrorism as an excuse to step up political repression and crack down against their own citizens.
| "Especially the ones with turbans..." |
"ASEAN governments have hardened repressive laws and justified the use of violence against innocent civilians in the name of national security and the war on terrorism," said Debbie Stothard, head of Bangkok-based ALTSEAN, a network of human rights groups. "Ironically, (this) seems to be contributing to more repression and terrorism in the region," she said. Stothard was speaking at a hotel in Bali, near the conference centre hosting the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
| Which implies she must have some conception of what the problem is. Or that she's remarkably stoopid... |
After Indonesian authorities denied them access to the main venue, non-governmental organisations from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines decided to stage an "alternative ASEAN" nearby.
| No doubt that was very effective... |
Sunai Phasuk from Forum-Asia blasted the human rights record of Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, saying his government was "a major impediment for ASEAN to truly become a regional community that promotes human rights, democracy and fairness. After decades of struggle for democracy, it has taken Thaksin less than three years to create a police state and install a climate of fear."
| Thais seem not to spend a lot of time cringing in fear. Maybe they haven't noticed? |
Malaysia also came under fire from Yap Swee Seng from SUARAM, a rights group based in that country, who denounced Prime Minister Mahathir Muhammad. The country "should take responsibility for the continuous deterioration of human rights in Burma as it was that regime's main sponsor for ASEAN membership," said Swee Seng.
| That's pretty weak. Malaysia has its own problems. But I guess he's gotta live there, so barking about Burma's an easy hit... |
Indonesian activists criticised the government of President Megawati Sukarnoputri for breaking off talks with separatists in the province of Aceh, on the northern tip of Sumatra island, and launching a military assault against them.
| Just because they want to chew off a major portion of the country for their own little Islamic paradise. Tusk tusk. |
At least 1200 people have died there since May, and the rights groups have complained of restricted access to the region. "Most of the victims of the war in Aceh are civilians," said Bonor Tigor of SOLIDAMOR, a Jakarta-based group.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2003-10-07 |
