Actor and humanitarian Richard Gere has called on the U.N. and business leaders to support 'Free the VJs', a worldwide campaign launched today (9 July) by The Co-operative urging the release of five video journalists (VJs) imprisoned in Burma for secretly filming the 2007 Saffron Revolution.
The VJ’s remarkable story has been captured in the award-winning film, Burma VJ, which The Co-operative will premiere at 40 cinemas across the UK on 14 July.
The Burma VJs risked torture, imprisonment and even death to document the incredible story behind the 2007 uprisings and they now face up to 65 years in prison for simply recording the events in the film.
On seeing Burma VJ, Gere commented: "It is desperately important that people see this film and get involved in the movement to help Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi.
"I was incredibly moved on many different levels by what the filmmakers achieved. The conviction and urgency that Burma VJ conveys is very difficult to communicate on film in an honest way."
Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals and Sustainability at The Co-operative said: "People put their lives on the line to get this footage out of Burma in the hope that the world would take notice. News stories come and go, but the oppression in Burma is as bad as anywhere on the planet, and we mustn’t turn a blind eye.
"Burma VJ is not just a cracking watch, it is a challenge to us to get off our seats and do something that something is ‘Free the VJs’"
Gere added: "Supporting this film and the Co-operative’s campaign will enhance your own sense of responsibility by demonstrating that you can effect positive change in the world.
"It is important that we keep ourselves connected by engaging human rights issues around the globe and insisting that our government representatives, business leaders and institutions like the U.N. do something when rights are violated.
"If we keep ourselves connected, together we can really make a difference so stay informed, tell a friend and help Free the VJs and Aung San Suu Kyi."
The 'Free the VJs' campaign calls for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to put pressure on the regime to release the five VJs along with the other 2,100 political prisoners being held in Burma among whom is former Democratic leader and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
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