MYANMAR: Free the 88 Generation Students Htay Kywe Mie Mie Zaw Htet Ko Ko Activists Htay Kywe, Mie Mie and Zaw Htet Ko Ko were arrested in the hunt for the people behind the major anti-government protests that began in August 2007, which were brought to an end by a violent crackdown by the authorities in late September. They are now facing a range of politically motivated charges. Amnesty International considers them to be prisoners of conscience. They are at risk of torture. All three are members of a pro-democracy group, the 88 Generation Students. They were arrested in the early hours of 13 October 2007 in a house where they were hiding, on the outskirts of the former capital, Yangon. The owner of the house and two other members of the 88 Generation Students were arrested with them. The 88 Generation Students group is largely made up of leaders of a massive pro-democracy uprising of 1988, when Myanmar had been under military rule for 26 years and the economy was in ruins. Htay Kywe, Mie Mie and Zaw Htet Ko Ko were involved in the early protest marches of August 2007, against sudden increases in fuel prices imposed by the state, but were soon forced into hiding as the authorities launched a search for those they thought were the leaders of the protests, in particular Htay Kywe. During the night of 21 August, 13 key 88 Generation Students activists were arrested. Htay Kywe and Mie Mie have each received 65 years' imprisonment. In November Mie Mie was transferred to Katha prison, Sagaing Division in northwestern Myanmar. She continues to have poor health and it is difficult for her family to visit. On Dec. 5, 2008 Zaw Htet Ko Ko's sentence was increased by six years to a new total sentence of eleven years. (continued) Amnesty International USA ▪ Campaign for Individuals at Risk 600 Pennsylvania Avenue S.E. ▪ Washington, DC 20003 ▪ www.amnestyusa.org/iar ▪ [email protected] YOU CAN HELP: WRITE A LETTER TO THE MYANMAR OFFICIALS, ASKING THEM TO: Bring about the immediate and mail to: unconditional release of Htay Kywe, Mie Mie, and Zaw Htet Ko Ko Chairman, State Peace and Development Council Provide them with any medical treatment Senior General Than Shwe they require c/o Ministry of Defense Naypyitaw Protect them from torture and other ill- Union of Myanmar (Burma) treatment Salutation: “Dear Senior General Allow them access to family members and Than Shwe” lawyers of their choosing Minister of Foreign Affairs Stop the imprisonment of all prisoners of U Nyan Win conscience Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bldg. (19), Naypyitaw Instigate fair trials Union of Myanmar (Burma) Protect prisoners' welfare Salutation: “Dear Minister" Stop the misuse of security laws to punish International airmail postage: $0.98 peaceful political dissent Is the Country Called “Myanmar” or “Burma”? In 1989, the military government changed the English form of the name of the country from “Burma” to “Myanmar.” (The name of the country in the Burmese language – “Myanma” – did not change.) While the official name of the country is the “Union of Myanmar,” many organizations, including the U.S. government, have chosen to continue using the old name of Burma. Some sources may refer to the capital city by its current name of “Yangon,” while others may use the old name of “Rangoon.” Amnesty International uses the term “Myanmar” in any official description of the country. You should always use only the word “Myanmar” in your letters when you are writing to the Myanmar Government. However, on your envelopes, it is best to put both, like this: “UNION OF MYANMAR (Burma)” This is because the U.S. Postal Service continues to recognize “Burma” as the name of the country. To ensure that your letters reach their destination, be sure to use both names on your envelopes. Amnesty International USA ▪ Campaign for Individuals at Risk 600 Pennsylvania Avenue S.E. ▪ Washington, DC 20003 ▪ www.amnestyusa.org/iar ▪ [email protected] .