MYANMAR: Student Leaders Imprisoned After An Unfair Trial

Student activists Myo Min Zaw and Ko Aye Aung were arrested on 12 September 1998 for distributing leaflets and organizing student demonstrations in ’s biggest city of Yangon. Both men were leading members of the banned All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU). Myo Min Zaw and Ko Aye Aung are serving sentences totaling 52 years and 59 years respectively. They were reportedly tortured during interrogation. Both men are prisoners of conscience detained solely for the non-violent expression of their beliefs.

Their arrests came during a period of several months in 1998 when hundreds of students were rounded up during demonstrations calling for improvements to the educational system, and for the release of political prisoners. Letters to the public signed by Myo Min Zaw appealing for support were widely distributed prior to the rallies.

At the time of their arrest, the main opposition party in Myanmar, the National League for Democracy (NLD), had announced that it would form a parliament of MPs elected in the 1990 elections, in which the party won the majority of seats, but to whom the military authorities have never transferred power. At a press conference on 8 October 1998, the government stated that they were “able to uncover a plot” by Myo Min Zaw to “create disturbances in support of the NLD demand to convene parliament and to object to the ongoing university and college examinations”. Myo Min Zaw was accused of distributing “seditious pamphlets” at a rally.

After their arrest, Myo Min Zaw and Ko Aye Aung were reportedly tortured during interrogation. They were denied legal representation and the right to speak in their own defense during their trial, which took place in Yangon’s Insein Prison. The fairness of the trial was further compromised by the authorities having given a press conference shortly after their arrest, in which the authorities claimed that the demonstrations were intended to create unrest.

The hefty sentences they received were the result of several charges under different vaguely worded security laws which have been routinely and arbitrarily used by the authorities to silence political dissent. As is the case in other convictions of political prisoners, their sentences have been applied cumulatively, rather than being served concurrently.

(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 Myo Min Zaw and Ko Aye Aung Chairman, State Peace and Development Council Provide them with any medical treatment Senior General he requires 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 Than Shwe” and a lawyer 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]