MYANMAR: Pro-Democracy Group Founder Receives 65 Year Sentence

Veteran pro-democracy movement leader Min Ko Naing was sentenced on 11 November 2008 to 65 years’ imprisonment for his role in the major anti-government protests of August and September 2007. The sentence was handed down in a closed-door hearing in Maubin Prison in the south-western Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) Division.

With him are 22 members of the 88 Generation Students group, each of whom has also received a 65-year sentence for their part in the 2007 protests. The 88 Generation Students group was co-founded by Min Ko Naing in 2005 to renew the pro-democracy activities of those who took part in the mass uprising against military rule in 1988.

After his sentencing, Min Ko Naing was moved to Kengtung Prison in Shan State, in the north-east of the country. The prison is approximately 700 miles away from his family's home, in the country’s largest city, . Min Ko Naing is a prisoner of conscience. He is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

Min Ko Naing was arrested on 21 August 2007, along with 12 other members of the 88 Generation Students group, two days after leading a peaceful march in Yangon, to protest at increased fuel prices. In the next six weeks, major anti-government demonstrations erupted across , the largest protests against the military junta since 1988.

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YOU CAN HELP:

WRITE A LETTER TO THE MYANMAR OFFICIALS, ASKING THEM TO:

Bring about the immediate and mail to: unconditional release of Min Ko Naing 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 (Burma)

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 Instigate fair trials Bldg. (19), Naypyitaw Union of Myanmar (Burma) Protect prisoners' welfare Salutation: “Dear Minister"

Stop the misuse of security laws to punish

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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 – “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]