May 4, 2021 - More than 700 people have been killed in Burma by the military regime, which took power in that country on February 1. "More than 10 people a day are paying the highest price for freedom and justice and democracy,” says Ko Ko Lay, RIT Board Member and activist for democracy. He adds: "This shouldn't happen... not only in Burma, shouldn't be anywhere around the world."
Listen to this interview on SF Public Press CIVIC podcast, featuring Ko Ko Lay (RIT Board & Free Burma Action Committee) and Jane Pak (RIT Board Chair).
Pictured: Free Burma rally in San Francisco
News of violence is taking its toll on many of our neighbors who are from Burma. Members of the diaspora in the Bay Area have been worried about loved ones in Burma, and tirelessly protesting the military coup.
“These are your neighbors here,” says Jane Pak. “Our hearts and our souls are also in places of origin for those who have migrated here. And we can’t forget that, because by extension, we’re all global neighbors. ...We know that, and COVID has made that abundantly clear.”
Visit the Free Burma Action Committee page to learn and take action in solidarity with the pro-democracy movement: