Oppression in homeland leads men on Walk for Freedom

By Tammy Malgesini
The East Oregonian

A world away from the United States, Athien and Zaw, originally from Burma, embarked on a 3,000-mile walk March 1 from Portland, en route to New York and then Washington, D.C.


Athien, who has been in the United States, left Burma in 1988 - first fleeing to Thailand and then the U.S.

After working as a fabricator in Tualatin, Athien met Zaw, who was a janitor at the Oregon State Hospital, left their jobs to march to meet the Secretary General of the United Nations.

"I (am) walking for my country - for the people want democracy and freedom," he said in a cell phone conversation. "We are campaigning to make change."

The men will present a petition to the office of the Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, calling for freedom and human rights in Burma. Supporters can add their name to the petition on the Walk for Freedom Web site.

The two passed through Arlington Saturday afternoon, making their way down Interstate 84 waving an American flag and a flag representing Burma's democracy movement.

"We can't show (the democracy flag) in my country or they will open fire and here it's OK," he explained. "In the United States, it's a democratic, free country."

Athien lost his family in Burma, located in Southeast Asia, in 1988.

"Anyone who wanted democracy and freedom had peace movement," Athien said. "It was (a) peaceful demonstration, but the government opened fire and 3,000 people died."

As far as Athien knows, his sister is the only one who survived, however, he hasn't had any contact with her since 1988.

Zaw, 27, left Burma when he was seven years old. Although he didn't understand the political situation, he now joins others to fight for freedom in his home land.

The men hope to arrive in at the United Nations on Aug. 8, the 20th anniversary of the Aug. 8, 1988 protests in Burma.

Zaw and Athien take turns walking and driving a white Ford Explorer. They will depart from Boardman around 10 a.m. today to continue their journey. For more information about Walk for Freedom, visit http://88portland.wordpress.com

Source: The East Oregonian