Protest against Burmese oppression

Burmese refugees led the protest in a show of solidarity with their fellow citizens whose peaceful protests in the country have been met by violence from the ruling military.

Sheffield is host to one of the largest groups of Burmese exiles who came to Britain under the United Nations Gateway programme.

The programme allowed groups of refugees from border camps, such as those set up between Burma and Thailand, to leave and resettle in willing host countries.

To show their solidarity with Burmese people being persecuted in their home country, community groups in Sheffield encouraged Burmese refugees to attend the demonstration and take part in a range of cultural activities.

Representatives from Sheffield's Green Party, Respect Party and Lib Dems were among those who attended the city centre demonstration.

Burmese state television has put the death toll from the violence at 10, but dissident groups estimate that at least 200 may have died. Daily protests began last month and have grown into the stiffest challenge to Burma's ruling junta in decades.

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