Referendum not free and fair: HRW

Mizzima News

Friday, 02 May 2008 18:39

The ensuing referendum to approve the constitution on May 10 will not be free and fair, the Human Right Watch has said. Brian Adam, Director of US based Human Right Watch, said in a new report that the junta has revealed its true nature by continuing to arrest many people who oppose the referendum. The referendum will be held under heavy restriction and tightening of information flow. The report also highlighted the series of arrests of opposition activists. The 61-page new report is entitled 'Vote to Nowhere'. The Human Right Watch also condemned the junta for not allowing people to discuss the pros and cons of the constitution draft openly. The international community cannot accept the arrest of opposition forces, censoring of the media, banning free assembly and expression, a non-independent referendum commission, no independent court to hear referendum cases and complaints, creating fear among the people, the report said. < Prev   Next >