[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H46]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      BURMESE AMERICAN IMPRISONED

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Madam Speaker, an American citizen is being held illegally 
and unjustly by the Burmese Government today, and we should do all we 
can to return him to the United States and to his family.
  Nyi Nyi Aung has been imprisoned in Burma since September 3, and has 
been held under a revolving array of charges--all bogus. Aung has been 
deprived of food and sleep, has been beaten, then has had medical 
treatment withheld, and he remains in prison while his trial is 
pending.
  The Burmese Government has ignored its obligations under 
international treaty, and it violates the standards of human rights and 
basic decency.
  Aung has a heart for the oppressed people of his native country, a 
heart to bring true democracy to Burma, and his offense is promoting 
freedom in a country that is like a vast prison camp.
  I urge Secretary Clinton to publicly call for Aung's release and to 
use all possible diplomatic means to return him to the United States 
where he can receive medical care. His life hangs in the balance, and 
we cannot afford to wait.

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