Dublin protest in support of Burma

An estimated 200 people attended a protest held in Dublin city centre this afternoon in solidarity with the people of Burma…

An estimated 200 people attended a protest held in Dublin city centre this afternoon in solidarity with the people of Burma.

The protest, outside the GPO on O'Connell St was organised to show support for the Burmese and to maintain international pressure on Burma's military to end violence and start a process of national reconciliation.

Thousands of civilians, led by the Buddhist monks, have taken part in peaceful demonstrations in the Asian country this week demanding improved living conditions.

Protests on this scale have not been seen since the nationwide demonstrations in 1988, which were violently suppressed by the authorities with the killing of around 3,000 people. At least 13 people have been killed over the past number of days, according to state media in Burma.

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But it is feared the actual death toll may be higher. Campaigners signed a petition calling on the Chinese President Hu Jintao to compel Burma to engage in a process of valid national reconciliation.

Similar demonstrations were held  across the continent organised by other European Burma solidarity groups.