Dear Friend
I am writing today with very sad news. On Thursday 14th February Padoh Mahn Sha, the father of one of our staff members, Zoya Phan, was assassinated by agents of the military regime in Burma. Two gunmen came to his house and shot him in the chest.

Padoh Mahn Sha was General Secretary of the Karen National Union, which represents the Karen ethnic group in Burma in their struggle for democracy and human rights.

He was a greatly respected leader who had dedicated his life for the struggle for freedom. He was killed because of his effective and principled stand against the regime.

His assassination is yet more evidence, as if it were needed, that the regime is determined to cling on to power, no matter what. They see leaders, such as Padoh Mahn Sha, who speak out for freedom and justice, as a threat to their survival.

Many of you will have seen Zoya Phan speak at events and on television news or seen her articles in our magazine. You can view some of her speeches on our website.

Zoya and her brothers and sister have set up a fund in memory of their father. Donations can be made online at http://www.zoyaphan.com. The fund will be used to tackle poverty and provide education in Karen state, two issues very close to Padoh Mahn Sha¹s heart. You can donate by credit card from any country or you can send a cheque made out to ŒBurma Campaign UK¹ and post it to Padoh Mahn Sha Fund, care of Burma Campaign UK, 28 Charles Square, London N1 6HT, UK.

A statement from the children of Padoh Mahn Sha, released on the day of his death, follows below.

Anna Roberts
Director, The Burma Campaign UK

Statement from the children of Padoh Mahn Sha Lah Phan

We are very sad to lose a great father and a great leader.

We were lucky to have a father who was caring and full of love. He gave us guidance and support, and taught us tolerance and to stand against injustice. He could not give us wealth or luxury, but ensured that we had an education and the opportunity to fulfill our potential

He was always humble, yet a strong and brave leader. He dedicated his life to the struggle, and always put the welfare of his people and his country before himself. His example of determination and self-sacrifice to win our freedom won him the love and respect of not just the Karen people, but also the Burmese democracy movement and of freedom loving people around the world.

He will be remembered by many not only as an inspirational leader, but also on a personal level for the many acts of kindness he performed for those who needed help.

We are proud to be his children, as all Karen people and all people who long for freedom in Burma are proud of him.

Our father may be dead, but we will remember him. He taught us that it was our duty to work for the Karen people, and as his children we will continue his dedicated work towards true freedom for our people and peace in our country.

His determination for freedom and democracy lives on within us and within the Karen people. He did not live to see freedom for our people, but his dream will be fulfilled. The Karen, and all the people of Burma, will be free.

We will be establishing a foundation in memory of our father. Donations can be made online at www.zoyaphan.com

Saw Say Say
Nant Bwa Bwa Phan
Nant Zoya Phan
Slone Phan

A brief biography of Padoh Mahn Sha
Padoh Mahn Sha Lah Phan was born in Rangoon on 5th July 1943.
He graduated from Rangoon University in 1966 with a degree in history.

He joined the Karen National Union (KNU) in 1963. In 1964 he became a member of the KNU Central Committee, and was elected Joint General Secretary in 1995. He was elected General Secretary in 2000, and is also a member of the Secretariat of the National Council of the Union of Burma, the umbrella organisation representing organisations in the Burmese democracy movement.

Padoh Mahn Sha married Nant Kyin Shwe in 1976. She passed away on 31st July 2004. He is survived by four children, two sons and two daughters; Saw Say Say, Nant Bwa Bwa Phan, Nant Zoya Phan, Slone Phan

To make a donation to the Padoh Mahn Sha fund, please visit http://www.zoyaphan.com

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