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MYANMAR: Labor Activist Jailed Under Vaguely Worded Terms

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MYANMAR: Labor Activist Jailed Under Vaguely Worded Terms MYANMAR: Labor Activist Jailed Under Vaguely Worded Terms Labor activist Su Su Nway, who is a member of the main opposition party National League for Democracy (NLD), is serving a sentence of eight years and six months in a remote prison, far from her family, for taking part in anti- government protests. Su Su Nway took part in protests against rising fuel and commodity prices in August 2007. She narrowly avoided arrest during a protest at which a government-backed social organization, the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), beat her supporters, forced them into waiting vehicles and detained them. After this Su Su Nway went into hiding until 13 November 2007, when she was arrested for putting up an anti-government banner near the hotel in Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city, where the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar was staying. Su Su Nway suffers from a congenital heart condition, high blood pressure, malaria, and gout which are made worse by conditions at the prison where she is held, Hkamti, Sagaing Division where she cannot get proper medical care. The prison is 1,200 miles from her family's home in Yangon, so it is very difficult for them to visit and bring her necessary food and medicine. Su Su Nway had to be hospitalized on 20 March 2009, but since then, according to reliable sources, the prison authorities have not allowed her any medical care. After her arrest on 13 November 2007, Su Su Nway was tried in the North Yangon District Court. She was sentenced on 11 November 2008 to 12 years and six months in prison. Her sentence was later reduced on appeal to eight years and six months. Su Su Nway was convicted under various security laws that the authorities routinely use to punish peaceful political dissent. She was found guilty on two counts under section 505 (b) of the Penal Code, the vague terms of which apply to anyone believed to have intent to cause fear or alarm to the public, or to incite offences that damage the state of "public tranquility." She was also found guilty under section 143 of the Penal Code of similarly vague "Offences Against the Public Tranquility" and of "assaulting or obstructing a public servant suppressing a riot" (section 152 of the Penal Code). (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 Su Su Nway Chairman, State Peace and Provide her with any medical treatment he Development Council requires Senior General Than Shwe c/o Ministry of Defense Protect her from torture and other ill- Naypyitaw treatment Union of Myanmar (Burma) Allow her access to family members and a Salutation: “Dear Senior General lawyer of her choosing Than Shwe” Stop the imprisonment of all prisoners of Minister of Foreign Affairs conscience U Nyan Win Ministry of Foreign Affairs Instigate fair trials Bldg. (19), Naypyitaw Union of Myanmar (Burma) Protect prisoners' welfare Salutation: “Dear Minister" Stop the misuse of security laws to punish peaceful political dissent International airmail postage: $0.98 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] .
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