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MYANMAR: Jailed for Aiding Cyclone Victims

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MYANMAR: Jailed for Aiding Cyclone Victims MYANMAR: Jailed for Aiding Cyclone Victims Popular comedian, actor and director Zarganar, an outspoken critic of Myanmar‟s military government, was sentenced on 21 November 2008 to 45 years‟ imprisonment by a special court in Yangon‟s Insein Prison. He was arrested on 4 June 2008 for his public criticism of the government‟s response to the humanitarian crisis that emerged in the wake of Cyclone Nargis, which hit Myanmar in May 2008. On 27 November 2008, Zarganar was sentenced to a further 14 years in jail under four sections of the criminal code that cover „crimes‟ including disrespecting the government, illegal assembly, defaming religion and illegal use of video communications. On 13 February, a divisional court in Myanmar‟s main city, Yangon, reduced Zarganar‟s 59-year prison sentence by 24 years. Zarganar now has to serve 35 years in prison for providing assistance to victims of Cyclone Nargis. After it emerged that the Myanmar government was obstructing international aid that was to be distributed to the devastated Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) Delta and the surrounding areas, Zarganar began to lead efforts to raise and distribute aid from private donors. Despite assurances from the authorities that private donors would be given free access to cyclone affected areas, Zarganar and at least 21 others were arrested for their participation in the voluntary aid effort. Zarganar led a private donor movement in Myanmar that emerged in response to the military government‟s obstruction of international aid in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. Zarganar‟s group had over 400 volunteers, many of whom he himself recruited, who made their way through government-enforced roadblocks and checkpoints to deliver emergency aid to those affected by the cyclone. Zarganar is currently being held in Myitkyina Pirson in Kachin State in Northern Myanmar. He has been suffering from ill-health and is at risk of torture and ill-treatment. He is a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression. (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 Zarganar Chairman, State Peace and Provide him with any medical treatment Development Council he requires Senior General Than Shwe c/o Ministry of Defense Protect him from torture and other ill- Naypyitaw treatment Union of Myanmar Allow him access to family members and Salutation: “Dear Senior General a lawyer of his choosing Than Shwe” Stop the imprisonment of all prisoners of Minister of Foreign Affairs conscience U Nyan Win Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conduct fair trials Bldg. (19), Naypyitaw Union of Myanmar 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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