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Photographer Dies In Burma Protests
may he/she rest in peace…
let’s fight against junta !!!!!
Burma looks like Indonesia in 97-98, a dangerous area for journalist.
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Someone knows the name or ageny he was working with???
Fuck da Junta!!!
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Bad news indeed. Thanks for the updates.
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This his agency APF http://www.apfnews.com/ It’s Japanese site.
I also saw the one German believed to be a journalist got killed on Bangkok Post.
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Photographers are dropping like flies at the moment. These brave and committed individuals are hugely under appreciated by the general public. That is very sad. We must never take them for granted.
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This is really bad news and very sad for everyone trying to get the truth out. The best of luck to everyone else that was able to get in.
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is a SMS that is going oround in the world is only a little sign,but some time sign make the difference.
“In support of our incredibly brave friends in Burma: may all people around the world wear a red shirt on Friday, September 28. Please forward!”
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It doesn’t look like he was shot by accident… Rather like an execution. Leaves you thinking…
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A german photojournalist is killed too. He tried to get past a police blocking. Source: Dagbladet:“http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2007/09/27/513383.html” (a Norwegian newspaper).
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Rannveig Lade, Norsk Folkehjelp (Norwegian People’s Aid), currently in Rangoon, says to Dagbladet that foreigners seen with the protestors are regardes as agitators. It gives the police an excuse to open fire on the protestors (but usually not the foreigners).
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At the risk of sounding super ignorant – why isn’t something being done by the int’l community? It seems like we like to sit back and then ten years later make a movie about it starring don cheadle…
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Ravi,
Ummmmm ……. likely because China is a huge backer of the regime and has a veto on the UN Security Council ……
Sgt Frank Hudec
Photographer/Canadian Forces Combat Camera Reserve Team
www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca
www.frankhudec.ca
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the utmost respect to the people fighting the regime in burma and the photogs/journalists bringing the news to the world.
tomorrow,friday, is the red t-shirt day.
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Doesn’t the U.N seem useless to anyone? It continually does nothing in these situations.
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“continually does nothing in these situations”
Apparantly they’re sending an envoy to Burma – for what good that will do, probably dont realise that Burma actually has a representative at the UN – make him accountable and while they’re at it put Mugabe on the stand and make him accountable for his destuction of Zimbabwe, better still arrest him and the Burma delegate and put them on imm ediate trial for crimes against humanity!!!!
Theres more balls in a handful of PJ’s and LS members than there are at the whole of the UN.
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We are witnesses of humanity, and also part of it, we bring images, facts to the world. Like the word NEWS comes from North, East, West and South, where ever you are in the world there is a photojournalist ready to register humanity and it doesn’t matter how dangerous it is.
We have to protect each other, and be as careful as we can.
The fact is that images and news travel today almost faster than light and we are now more than ever a huge influence in the events, giving an huge huge importance how the rest of the world receive the news and reacts to it and like Sivert Almvik said in a previous post that foreigners seen with the protestors are regardes as agitators. It gives the police an excuse to open fire on the protestors.
This unfortunately is happening there and in other parts of the world because politicians and dictators are afraid of the power that media have in our days.
I’m really touched by this death because it could be me getting shoot there.
Huge huge respect for those who are risking their lives in Burma protests, keep safe guys and keep up with the good work.
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“continually does nothing in these situations”
Sure. Someone invade them, just like in Iraq. That will do wonders, eh?
Sgt Frank Hudec
Photographer/Canadian Forces Combat Camera Reserve Team
www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca
www.frankhudec.ca
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There is hope. President Bush denounced the situation. I am sure we will create a democratic Myanmar soon. Well, at least as soon as we wrap things up in Iraq.
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Why the World Police is not taking actions? For less, they invade countries.
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“Ummmmm ……. likely because China is a huge backer of the regime and has a veto on the UN Security Council ……”
the culture of accepting that the U.N. will do nothing is sad. Accepting that atrocities will continue because of Chinese relations translates to me, “we won’t stop the murders & execution style killings because our society accepts that economic balance and status quo means more than saving innocent lives”. Isn’t Chinese oil investments in Sudan the same reason that the int’l community hasn’t made direct action in the Darfur region? It’s a lame excuse that as a civilian I’m getting sick of hearing. the U.N. needs to feed me something else!
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Ravi,
I’ve actually been to Burma three-times. The stereotypes are all there. It’s a back-assward country, no doubt. Hmmmm, what is sad is that other than criticism of world bodies, you offer no solutions to the present situation. So tell us what should be done?
Sgt Frank Hudec
Photographer/Canadian Forces Combat Camera Reserve Team
www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca
www.frankhudec.ca
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Unfortunately I dont have the experience of three tours in Burma to offer any worthwhile insight as to how we can solve this problem – I usually put my faith in governing bodies with dramatic names such as “The United Nations” to do whats right, but we all know that doesn’t help. Are you hinting that because of my inexperience, rather than asking questions I shouldn’t even worry about it? becuase other than condescending “ummmmms” and “hmmmmm’s” you’ve offered very little for all your experiences, Sarge…
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Sure, I’ll use my trustafarian money and you can use your hookups in the army and we’ll organize a private militia to protect the protestors. do you know any disgruntled supply techs?
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Frank, Just because someone does not have a solution to a situation does not mean that he or she should not be able to ctiticize his government or other institutions. Criticism of these institutions can help them to change and improve their actions.
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The armed forces have to turn against the corrupt leadership they serve. A military coup against those leaders is an ideal solution – no foreign interference. Anyone know any righteous officers amongst the junta willing to switch sides?
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The UN is not useless at all. The Security Counsel, on the other hand, seems quite timid.
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In any case, it’s a terrible loss. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends as well as the victims families and friends.
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I am horribly saddened…I know all of us are, but wishing change does not change anything. The noble convictions of the citizens through action and death will lead to change. Humanity finds the light through patient actions and grave sacrifice.
We should all keep the brave members of our human society close and with high regard.
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I’m wondering if this is 2007.
In 1988 we didn’t have all these evidence. Now we do, but not much is being done.
I still believe that to hit Burma you need to hit China.
But how?
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My sincere condolences to Kenji Nagai’s family.
Following the thread of the conversation and some of the ridicule criticism voiced such as Jason’s “Theres more balls in a handful of PJ’s and LS members than there are at the whole of the UN”. I would like to draw your attention to the UN staff members and the NGO people that are continously working in Burma over the last years, since they do not just fly in to cover a story and then head out to the next hot spot but try every day to improve the life for the people in Burma. They actually work in the field over a long period of time and try hard to make the results sustainable. Maybe Jason would like to repeat his comment into their faces. It is very easy to sit back and blame, but as we see from the discussion it is hard to come up with constructive criticism and ideas.
Furthermore, the Security Council holds the crucial cards at the moment, but the Security Council has a certain member composition and you might recall the discussion of a Security Council Reform (A better representation of countries in the Security Council has not been achieved yet, as current members have difficulties giving up some of their power for a greater good). And now the current members fail to come to a consensus opinion: China and Russia are currently not pulling their weight when it comes to Burma. And the other members fail to convince them in constructive and democratic process to do so.
Just some food for thought from someone working in an international organization with a partner who is at this very moment documenting the events in Rangoon.
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Denise,
I fully support the principle of a UN. I’ve met my fair share of field workers on trips in Africa, the Middle and Far East, most would probably agree with my sentiments – most were disillusioned with the organisation. My grievances are not with the field workers who undoubtedly do what they do because they believe in it at a personal level but with the bureaucratic ‘Lords of the Rich’ based out of NY.
You’re right, it is easy to sit back and blame, it’s also easy to sit back and say nothing. Why don’t people at the highest level who’ve been given a voice forget their diplomatic principles and etiquette for once and say it like it is. That’s what I meant by having balls. The UN has to be more than what it is now, but this has gone off topic now. My sincere condolences to the family of Kenji Nagai and I wish your partner safe times in Rangoon.
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Does anyone have any info about the german journalist killed?
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My sincere condolences to the Nagai family…
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“The troops pursued fleeing people into buildings, she said, singling out people with cameras. If they were arrested, the troops beat them while shouting, ‘Is it you who sends those pictures out?’ —The Irawaddy
Boycott Beijing 2008
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>And now the current members fail to come to a consensus >opinion: China and Russia are currently not pulling their >weight when it comes to Burma. And the other members fail >to convince them in constructive and democratic process to >do so
Problem is that the other members support dictatorships when it comes to their own convenience, so there’s no moral ground in which to stand to convince Russia and China to do something. Pakistan comes to mind, but I’m pretty sure there are others…
It seems rather sad that Kenji Nagai’s death was necessary to read that Japan is “thinking” about cutting off some financial help to Myanmar. They’re thinking. Question is: what are they thinking about?
Unfortuately, it’s a nobody wins situation, and if there’s something the Security Council cares less about that is the ordinary people that’s been beaten or shot.
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awful, awful news. china’s just waiting to swoop in.
the junta thinks they’re in charge, just wait til china tightens the grip. sincere condolences to the
Kenji Negai’s family. terrible terrible.
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named and shamed:
Companies refusing to disclose if they source from Burma
Animal
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Bay Trading
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By Design Plc
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Ciro Citterio
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Etam
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First Sport
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Harrods
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Intersport
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Jane Norman
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Jeffrey Rogers
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Jo Bloggs
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Karen Millen
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La Coste
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Liberty
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Lillywhites
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LK Bennett
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Mambo
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Miss Sixty
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Pied a terre
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Shellys
http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/reports/comingclean.html
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We all complain that nothing is being done, well I’m quite certain that there is some very serious stuff happening beyond the public gaze. Let’s face it, we’ve let stuff get so fucked up in the past that I, for one, have to believe that the Europeans, the Americans, of course the Japanese, the Chinese and many more besides, are piling on the pressure on the authorities in Myanmar. How could they not be? After Pol Pot, Bosnia, Rwanda, East Timor, Iraq and so on and so on? We’ve have got to get our shit together globally. I’m certain that serious steps are being taken. How could they not be? I’m certain too that the military junta are getting weaker and weaker by the minute.
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Too easy to blame one or two countries. It’s not just the border countries of China, India or Thailand, it seems to suit many countries purpose that the UN veto members cannot agree what to do and China/Russia take the flak. The US/UK/France/Australia and Canada have major business deals in Burma as well (some through off shore companies set up in non-sanction countries).
Countries that do business with Burma http://www.global-unions.org/burma/default3.asp .
I would like to see the International business community stepping up to the plate ( or being forced to),
a Millenium Goal at the UN? – international business props up many a brutal regime & enables slavery & abominable working conditions world wide, through unethical business practise and no oversight.
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May his soul rest in peace !
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May all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas protect the monks and nuns and civilians of/in Burma, giving them strength and unity to pursue out their rights and freedoms.
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..as long as we, in the so called western countries, want to buy exotic products, cheap clothing, nice teak wood, ecc ecc and all that at a bargain price,
there will be companies exploiting poor countries and situations like Burma,
we are all * part of this mechanism,
i believe that the only way things can change is through our spending,
highlight the unethical companies (for example now the ones investing/trading with Burma) and stop buying from them,
the companies will inevitably change and consequently the regimes will have less and less money/power and will be weakened.
Protesting in the street don’t work anymore,
*
(almost all, …most of us i would say)
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[“(They) shoot. (They) shoot here. (People) die. Today is not brutal like yesterday, I think. But, I will know more accurately tomorrow. Next one, what I am shivering is, please send it BBC and others. At Yay Way (Yay Way Cemetery at the outskirt of Rangoon), injured people are being burnt alive……(Inaudible)……People, who run the burning machine for cremation, spoke with tears to a people who came for a funeral. Send that information to BBC, CNN, etc. Thank you, bye.”]
http://theburmacampaign.wordpress.com/
…if this true i don’t know what to say.
speechless and disgusted.
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Nicola,
Yeah, it’s much more complicated than that. The reason India sells arms to Burma is to keep Burmese-based insurgents off it’s own soil. The vast majority of the military weapons in Burma come from China which gets cheap natural gas and other resources from Burma. I don’t know about you, but I’ve actually worked with the Burmese Army on an operation near Khamti, northern Burma to recover the remains of Canadian airmen lost during a mission in World War II. What I can tell you is this: I didn’t see too much European kit or weapons on the Burmese troops…… ;)
Sgt Frank Hudec
Photographer/Canadian Forces Combat Camera Reserve Team
www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca
www.frankhudec.ca
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Nicola, the G3s are an ancient rifle, even by Burmese standards – likely given to battalions there who got the short-end-of-the-stick at the quartermasters instead of being issued the Chinese-designed MA1-MA4’s. Try looking to the obvious source of influence and arms in Burma, which by far is China, and stop blaming the West for Burma’s woes. Where do you think all that riot gear, ammunition and tactics for crushing revolt came from? The Chinese know a thing-or-two about that.
As for the dated 2003 Amnesty International link, when it comes to Burma, there is a lot that they don’t know. It’s a very secretive state and entire swaths of the country are completely off-limits to foreigners – we went to one of them. Oh yeah, and the Burma Army helicopter we flew there in was an Mi-8 HIP. I think that’s Russian, but I’m no expert …… ;)
Sgt Frank Hudec
Photographer/Canadian Forces Combat Camera Reserve Team
www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca
www.frankhudec.ca
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Global Day of Action OCTOBER 6th.
http://www.uscampaignforburma.org/action/action.html
FROM NEWSLETTER:
We are writing this urgent email to call for global demonstrations on Burma this coming Saturday, October 6th to demand the UN Security Council take action on Burma and to call for a global boycott of the 2008 Olympics. We are working together with a huge coalition of international organizations to put together this incredible day of action and we need you to make it happen.
This is one day after a day of student demonstrations across the Unted States on October 5th.
We are expecting demonstrations and protests in up to 35 countries around the world. We are asking for everyone to wear the color red on that day — red shirts, headbands, or other — in solidarity with the monks inside Burma. Organize an event or protest in your community, church, city, or join us at the Chinese embassies and consulates in the United States and around the world.
As you know, the UN Security Council shamefully has not lifted a finger to help the courageous Burmese monks and civilians even as they are slaughtered by solders wth automatic weapons. The Security Council has also never even breathed a word after the military regime in Burma destroyed over 3,000 villages — nearly twice as many as have been destroyed in Darfur. The Burmese regime’s scorched earth campaign in eastern Burma has been perhaps the most under-reported tragedy perhaps in the world.
There is one reason only for the paralysis of the Security Council: China. One country has singlehandedly blocked the international community from stopping the carnage in Burma. As a result, the UN is making the same mistakes it made on Rwanda and Darfur: sitting on its hands waiting while people die.
Nobel Peace Prize recipent Desmond Tutu has joined us in this call, saying he will boycott the Olympics unless China changes its position at the UN Security Council. Please pledge to boycott the 2008 Olympics today. The 2008 Olympics have become a monument to savagery and immorality (p.s. we know that many athletes have worked for a long time to participate in the Olympics. that is why we are asking for the Olympics to be moved to another country so athletes aren’t harmed).
Please sign up to host an event on our webpage at and keep an eye on our webpage to see what events are already happening so you can join.
We are also requesting donations to help us fund this and more actions. If you are able to donate, please do so generously here. Or, you can host a fundraiser after your demonstration/event on October 6th. Action is always more important than money, but we are urgently short on funds and would appreciate your financial support in addition to your action.
Sign up today and keep the monks in your prayers,
Aung Din, Jeremy Woodrum, Jennifer Quigley, and Thelma Younghttp://www.uscampaignforburma.org/
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I came back from Burma on the 12th of last month. It was my 12th trip. I’ve been all over the world and it’s my favorite of all the places I’ve been for many reasons. I’m currently in Mae Sot and was in one of the refugee camps earlier today.
It is extremely secretive as Frank said and many facets of the country operate on fear and fear alone. I’ve seen it firsthand and it’s paralyzing to put it mildly.
I don’t know what the solution is but somehow, something really needs to be done as the people are just being needlessly crushed – both in Burma and in Thailand. Frankly, I’m appalled at just how much the Junta has got away with without intervention and I’m hoping that my friends in the country are ok and that something is done shortly.
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“The only thing we have imported from China is my niece because they threw her away.”
Wow – great line, Gayle.
Tobie
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Win, who is attempting to defect to Norway via Thailand, says:
“Many more people have been killed in recent days than you’ve heard about. The bodies can be counted in several thousand. I decided to desert when I was ordered to raid two monasteries and force several hundred monks onto trucks. They were to be killed and their bodies dumped deep inside the jungle. I refused to participate in this.”
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Orwellian…
According to sources, the SPDC [junta] classify the detainees by four types; (1) those who passed the protest, (2) those who stopped and watched, (3) those who clapped and supported, and (4) those who participated in the protest. They may release those who passed the protest with their written agreement not to do so again.
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Although I don’t dare dispute China’s poor product quality, there are many more factors than just China in what’s going on in Burma. I think we’re getting away from the root of the problem. China alone is not going to change Burma – now is the time for change though and I don’t think China dare risk countering any aggressive offensive, whether verbally or militarily. After all, nobody in their right mind thinks the Generals care about democracy or are doing what’s best for the country. Eventually, they will fall – but it’s already too late and the cost continues to mount. It really makes me sick to think I’m an hour away from all of this and some of my friends, one in particular might by in jail or worse.
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Tomorrow at 1:30 there will be a March in Taipei. Anyone interested in pics let me know.
Tobie
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Now we are having a huge typhoon due to make landfall tomorrow, and it’s already pretty hairy out there, so it’s likely tomorrow’s rally in Taipei will be cancelled. Damn. I was looking forward to my first time in a march where I’m not JUST there to take pics.
Tobie
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The rain seems to be slowing here in Mae Sot. I’m wondering if there will be any protests here at noon. If so, I’ll be there – somehow though I don’t see it happening.
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Genetically-modified (GM) food has become a major health and environmental issue in the UK. It has sharply divided opinion, between those who believe the new technology will greatly enhance our lives and those who fear it will prove a scientific “advance” too far. Im a Ford kind of guy myself although if I were a trustafarian I’d prefer an Aston Martin,(owned by Ford for a while).
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Apologies for the off-topic tangent but as you asked…….Genetically Modified (GM) foods are foodstuffs produced from genetically modified organisms ( GMO) that have had their genome altered through genetic engineering. The process of producing a GMO is to take the DNA from one organism, modify it in a laboratory, and then insert it into another organism’s genome to produce new and useful traits or phenotypes. The most common modified foods are derived from plants: soybean, corn, canola and cotton seed oil and wheat.Controversies surrounding GM foods and crops commonly focus on human and environmental safety, labelling and consumer choice, intellectual property rights, ethics, food security, poverty reduction, and environmental conservation.
So says Wikipedia.
In a nutshell over here in the UK protesters have ripped up GM crops and there is evidence that pollen from the GM crop can spread to neighbouring fields and fertilise non-GM crops.If this happens, new plants in that field may contain the GM gene. Monsanto is one of the big names in GM crops and is the leading producer of genetically engineered (GE) seed, holding 70%–100% market share for various crops.
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monsanto dont only mess with the food chain.they do some pretty unpleasant things to cattle too,especially concerning milk production.
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gayle,someone should start a new thread about about gm,i cant because i am about to go offline for the next 6 day.its potentially a huge disaster waiting to happen.even producing your own seeds might not protect your crops from contamination.producing plants that produce sterile seeds could be more than a mere marketing,profit fuelled ploy.it could become more sinister than that.
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getting back to the subject of burma,this lot would be a good starting point .
“Asia Optical
Asia Optical is a Taiwanese company and is one of the biggest lens producers in the world. It invested $12m in Burma to build a lens factory, which opened in early 2004. Customers of Asia Optical include: Canon, Epson, Hitachi, Kodak, Konica, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, and Sharp.”
as photographers,their activities probably affect us.
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This is a problem, Gayle. Now, I can’t buy anymore Rolls Royces.
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Everybody stop for a second… Turn over your computer mouse. Mine is a Logitech wireless and, yes, it’s made in China. While Western economic sanctions are a very good thing against the junta in Burma, I don’t think they will have any impact whatsoever on the real source of underground trade and the economy there – namely drugs, arms smuggling and other illicit ventures with some of it’s closest trading partners. Nor is it likely these old Burmese military generals prominently featured on the front pages of the ‘New Light of Myanmar’ will bend to the wishes of the West for democratic reforms and freedom for their people. Put yourself in their jackboots – they have everything to lose if they agree to any power-sharing compromise with the NLD. As long as the West does nothing short of an ‘anvil-blow’ with regards to Burma, nothing is likely to change very much. China would not be too pleased to have a fledgling democracy as a new neighbour.
Sgt Frank Hudec
Photographer/Canadian Forces Combat Camera Reserve Team
www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca
www.frankhudec.ca
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Hey Michal,
Good question. While I think world-wide protests are a very noble cause, I also believe that they are a very naive approach to the very complicated problem that is present-day Burma. The protester’s yelling and foot-stomping will do very little to change the situation over there. After all, the Burmese generals have been at this for over 40 years – what makes anyone think they will change their minds now? Likely not. Look at who their neighbours are and you will appreciate the intricate delicacy of the diplomacy needed here. I’ll let the democratic governments voice my own opinion. Sadly, I don’t think very much will change there.
Sgt Frank Hudec
Photographer/Canadian Forces Combat Camera Reserve Team
www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca
www.frankhudec.ca
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I think the most important thing we all can do is pressure our governments to adopt realistic policies toward Burma that will give the generals an incentive to change. That is very difficult, but sure as hell beats a military operation, even a genuinely international one.
At http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/10/01/news/edburma.php there is a very good article (synopsized from Foreign Affairs) on the issues and the methodologies for achieving change in that country.
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the attention has something diminished darkly become in Burma and that is
a idea to bring out more light.
we work all with light so is no really difficult.
the silhouett graphics of the monks from Gayle or some other one from the flicks group about Burma
can be well use like a light stencil.
you can open the graphics in Photoshop or make one your self, change the large to the dimension of a slide 24×36mm print on
transparency foil, installed in to frame and when is evening looks
to a wall for the projection, it can be the wound in front of your own windows
as the wall of a embassy or other institution, which transform darkness in light
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“As long as China refuses to do anything meaningful on Burma, we will support an Olympic boycott. As of now the Olympic games are a shameful tribute to the worst kind of behavior. Take a minute today to send an email to the Olympic organizers letting them know where you stand. We want millions of people to email them and let them know you plan to boycott the Olympics: ”mailto:ticketsupport@beijing2008.cn">ticketsupport@beijing2008.cn "
http://www.uscampaignforburma.org/join/joinnow.html
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Trying to get my visa once again to get inside the country. I should know by next week.
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Participants
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Bob Black
Photog/Writer/Editor-at-L
(Dreamer- Archer-Husband-Dad)
Toronto,
Canada
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J-F Vergel
photographer
Athens,
Greece
En route to
New York, NY, USA
(ETA: Sep 11 2009).
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Keywords
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