Activists Seize Illegal Teak! Defend Burma's Peoples and Rainforests
7/14/97
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Headline: Activists Seize Illegal Teak! Defend Burma's Peoples and
Rainforests
Source:
EarthCulture
PO Box 4674
Greensboro, NC 27404
Phone & Fax: 910-854-2957
e-mail: earthcul@nr.infi.net
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http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/3294
Author: Rick Spencer
Date: 7/14/97
On July 12, activists representing Rainforest Relief and
EarthCulture entered Scan Designs in Bethesda, MD and
announced they were reclaiming stolen teak imports. Tim
Keating, Rainforest Relief's Executive Director told the
manager, "We are seizing this furniture to return to the
Karen people of Burma. This wood was cut using slave
labor." As the manager called the police, the activists
made their way out with two teak tables.
The furniture was taken outside at which time, Tim locked
both of the front doors with a krytonite bike lock and
locked himself by the neck to them. A group of about 15
other protesters, including several Burmese students then
unfurled a 20 foot banner which read, "Teak is Torture
for Burma's People and Forests."
The action grabbed the attention of 2 Asian radio
networks and a local ABC television affiliate. It was
part of Rainforest Relief's Teak Week of Action which saw
demonstrations and direct actions in several US cities.
In an hour, fire fighters had unscrewed the door handles,
and Tim was taken to jail. Tim was charged with a $1,000
fine from the fire department for blocking the entrance,
and $1,500 for trespassing and disorderly conduct.
The latter two may be dropped or reduced, but the $1,000
fine is likely to stick. If you can help out with a
donation for Tim's legal troubles, I'm sure he would be
extremely appreciative.
Burma is the source of the majority of internationally
traded teak. A military coup in Burma in 1962 began a
reign of terror and oppression that continues today. In
1988, the SLORC (State Law and Order Restoration Council)
gunned down thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators in a
massive protest. Continued protests brought about general
elections. Though the SLORC only received 2% of the vote,
they refused to yield power. The SLORC generals use
forced labor, rape, torture, forced relocation and
intimidation to control the people of Burma. Cases of
forced labor have been documented by the SLORC in logging
operations.
Burma is home to the world's last primary teak forests
and some of the last ancient rainforests remaining in
mainland Asia, but are now being liquidated to fund the
SLORC's rule. These forests are home to rare species
such as the Asian Rhino, Asian Elephant and others. In
the US, teak is used for indoor and outdoor furniture,
interior trim, boat trim & decking and small consumer
items like spice racks, salad bowls and napkin holders.
For more information on the teak/Burma situation contact
Rainforest Relief at: relief@igc.apc.org or EarthCulture
at: earthcul@nr.infi.net
STOP THE TROPICAL CHOP! Use sustainable or recycled wood
products- or simply reduce your wood consumption.
Rainforests are the home to 50% of the world's species &
50,000 indigenous peoples. By boycotting rainforest woods-
like mahogany, teak, lauan, & ramin, you can help save our
most important ecosystems!
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