Eight Seconds of Silence: The Death of Democracy Activists Behind Bars

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a long-term OSI grantee based in Asia, has published a crucial report, “Eight Seconds of Silence: The Death of Democracy Activists Behind Bars,” recording all known cases of political prisoners who have died in custody in Burma since 1988. It details the names, histories, and fate of 127 democracy activists whose deaths were a result of torture or ill-treatment.

The AAPP submitted the landmark report last December to the UN Human Rights Council. AAPP reports document human rights violations perpetrated by the military junta, and the deepening political and social crises in Burma—evidence in support of a case for the Human Rights Council.

“We have released this report to expose the true circumstances of our colleague’s deaths,” says Tate Naing, AAPP secretary. “Though this report exposes the brutality that has led to the deaths of democracy activists, it also shows the courage of these fallen men and women. While they did not live to see the realization of their dream, their memory is carried in the hearts of those who continue to struggle for the realization of a free Burma.”