Causecast

by JONATHAN HARRIS, Managing Editor

Shepard Fairey, the creator of the iconic Barack Obama “PROGRESS” image, is back with a beautiful representation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, imprisoned Burmese leader.

The image says “Freedom To Lead” with the messages “Support Human Rights” and “Democracy in Burma” at the bottom.

Causecast is proud to stand with Human Rights Action Center and the U.S. Campaign for Burma in supporting Suu Kyi and demanding her release. Leaders and notable figures the world over sent their birthday wishes to Suu Kyi on June 19 and used the opportunity to support her commitment to the Burmese people.

Causecast organization Human Rights Action Center, as well as the U.S. Campaign for Burma, wants to use this image as a new beacon of hope for the people of Burma. We want to draw attention to the atrocities committed by Than Shwe, military dictator of Burma and re-establish Suu Kyi as the rightful leader of the country. The image is now spurring a powerful list of events to support the movement.

Causecast leader Maggie Q recently returned from a trip to Burma where she witnessed first-hand the human rights abuses and impoverished refugee camps. On Fairey’s image, she said, " I pray that this incredibly important image will create much needed awareness and inspire a whole generation to raise their voices in support of Burma’s rightful leader."

HRAC and U.S. Campaign for Burma have also partnered with Ryan Kavanaugh’s Relativity Media and Rogue to promote a high-profile Los Angeles concert to further raise awareness about this pressing issue.

Aung San Suu Kyi has been on trial in Burma for allegedly breaking the terms of her house arrest when she offered shelter to an American man who swam to her isolated home. The trial has been widely condemned, not just by human rights organizations, but by world governments.

Causecast believes Suu Kyi must be released and that international powers must continue to apply pressure to Burma’s military junta. Spread this image around to everyone you know. Post it on your blog and tweet it. Suu Kyi cannot currently speak for herself, so we must all come together in support. This image and continued involvement by Human Rights Action Center, U.S. Campaign for Burma and our other partners can help make this happen.

Follow Causecast on Twitter for the latest updates on Suu Kyi and the campaign to secure her release.