Some 69 Nobel laureates signed a statement expressing outrage at human rights abuses in Myanmar.
In a statement released Tuesday by The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, the laureates “denounce the oppressive rule of the junta government” and “urge the international community, particularly China, Russia and India who have influence on Myanmar, to use it on the Burmese government to secure basic democratic freedoms and to ensure the protection of human rights.”
The signers also call for the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been held under house arrest for much of the past eight years.
In August, tens of thousands of protesters marched to demand democratic reforms in Myanmar. The junta crushed the demonstrations, detaining thousands and killing at least 10.
China opposes sanctions against Myanmar, saying they won’t help resolve the country’s problems. The United States announced sanctions on Burma last month.
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