Mr. Hu Jintao
President of the People's Republic of China
9 Xihuang-Chenggen Beijie
Beijing shi 100032
People's Republic of China

September 27, 2007

Excellency,

I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

CJFE is deeply concerned that the military junta of Myanmar has stepped up censorship and aggression against journalists who are trying to cover the crisis that began on August 19, 2007, with protests of soaring fuel prices.

Since the forces have begun cracking down on demonstrations by pro-democracy activists, six journalist and at least 100 opponents have been jailed in the country. Several others reporters have been injured. Today, a Japanese news photographer was killed by military troops on the streets of the capital Rangoon. He was covering the on-going demonstration of Buddhist monks that have recently joined the protests to express anger against 45 years of brutal dictatorship's power.

Myanmar has a long history of severe violation of press freedom. During these protests the military junta has accelerated its propaganda in the state media, placed restrictions on various forms of communication, and has forced private media to only publish articles favourable to the government. Journalists have been subjected to strict surveillance and prevented from documenting the rally. The authorities have kept a close eye on the lines of communication such as internet and mobile phone networks. They have also warned foreign reporters from entering the country.

CJFE urges Chinese authorities to exhort the government of Myanmar to stop the escalation of violence. We call on the government of China to do what it can to open a peaceful dialogue between military leaders and opponents to prevent the similar bloodbath that took place in Myanmar in 1988. Furthermore, we ask to use your influence to demand the releases of the imprisoned journalists. CJFE hopes that freedom of expression and human rights will be soon restored in the country.

We thank you for your attention and look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Arnold Amber, CJFE President

cc: Lu Shumin, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Canada
Robert Wright, Ambassador of Canada to the People's Republic of China