Activists Sieze Teak Furniture!
Defend Burma's Rainforests & People

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