By Alishba I. Kassim
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

BANKGKOK, Thailand – A movement started by several Hollywood celebrities and human rights activists around the world aims to finally free Myanmar’s democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who is approaching her 64th birthday. She has spent 14 of them in detention.

Sui Kyi will likely spend her birthday in Yangon’s notorious lnsein prison, facing charges of violating the terms of her house arrest. Suu Kyi harbored an American who swam uninvited to her lakeside home.

Although the ruling junta is expected to deliver a guilty verdict, several activists and celebrities are standing in unison to stop the Nobel laureate from spending up to five years in prison. “We must not stand by as she is silenced again. Now is the time for the international community to speak with one voice,” Julia Roberts wrote as part of the campaign.

Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been largely controlled by the military since 1962, and prior similar campaigns have failed to illicit any real change. “Burma’s generals think they can act with impunity. We’ll have to wait until after the trial verdict to see if this time will be any different,” said Mark Farmaner of Burma Campaign UK.

In a parallel campaign, the organizers have gathered the signatures of over a 100 former and current political prisoners from over 20 countries calling for the release of political prisoners in Myanmar. They have also called upon the U.N. Security Council to impose a global arms embargo on Myanmar.

A collective message sent out by the organizers, celebrities, and activists read, “The continued denial of your freedom unacceptably attacks the human rights of all 2, 156 political prisoners in Myanmar. As those also incarcerated for our political beliefs, we share the world’s outrage.”

Although the united front put up by the campaigners is commendable, it makes one wonder if the collective international voice has the power to illicit change, or whether the power lies with a handful of government leaders talking over whiskey in a smoke-filled room.

For more information, please see:

AP – Celebrities Tweet for Suu Kyi’s Release – June 14, 2009

The New Nation – The Future of Democracy in Myanmar – June 14, 2009