Equity General Secretary Paul W Fleming said:
"Equity has a proud tradition of standing alongside artists and workers in Burma, not least with our unwavering solidarity with honorary life member Zarganar. The undemocratic military coup which is taking place threatens the continued expansion of free speech and democracy which is the clear aspiration of the Burmese people.
"I urge all Equity members to get involved with campaigning to stand with the international trade union and human rights movement as we demand the establishment of government by and for the people."
Daniel York Loh, Chair of Equity's Race Equality Committee, said:
"Across the world artists and citizens should be very concerned about what is happening in Myanmar. It is an affront to democracy and human rights, including the right to freedom of expression. We at Equity stand with the people of Myanmar and call for the immediate restoration of the legitimate government of Myanmar."
Ros Shelley, Chair of the International Committee for Artists Freedom added:
"ICAF, supported by Equity, campaigned against the imprisonment of Zarganar - a much-loved comedian, poet and musician before his release from prison in Myanmar in 2011. Comedy has always been a very important part of the culture of Myanmar and the recent coup is a tragedy for that culture as well as for democracy and human rights."
Find ways you can show your support for and solidarity with the people of Myanmar on the ITUC website.
