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Burma Regime Attacks Phan Foundation

The Burmese military regime has been broadcasting attacks on the Phan Foundation and one of its founders, Zoya Phan, on state owned radio stations.

The Phan Foundation was set up in February 2008 after agents of the military regime assassinated Padoh Mahn Sha Lah Phan.

Founded by the four children of Padoh Mahn Sha and Nant Kyin Shwe, in their memory, the Phan Foundation aims to fight poverty and provide education for Karen people from Burma, who have suffered decades of oppression. It also aims to protect and promote the culture of the Karen.

“The criticism of the Foundation shows that even in death the regime still fear my father,” said Zoya Phan. “When they assassinated him they killed the man, but not what he stood for. The Phan Foundation will help the Karen people, and help keep alive our culture and identity. We will not be intimidated, and I know people in Burma will not believe regime lies.”

Later this month the Phan Foundation will announce the winner of the first annual Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader award. The award is for young Karen people who have been helping projects fighting poverty, and promoting education or Karen culture. More information can be found at http://www.zoyaphan.com.

“The Phan Foundation is not a political organisation, it is just fighting poverty, promoting education and preserving Karen culture,” said Zoya Phan. “By attacking the Foundation they expose the truth, that they want the Karen poor and uneducated, and to destroy our culture.”

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