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.
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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
unconditional release of Zarganar
Provide him with any medical treatment
he requires
Protect him from torture and other illtreatment
Allow him access to family members and
a lawyer of his choosing
Stop the imprisonment of all prisoners of
conscience
Conduct fair trials
Protect prisoners' welfare
Stop the misuse of security laws to punish
peaceful political dissent
mail to:
Chairman, State Peace and
Development Council
Senior General Than Shwe
c/o Ministry of Defense
Naypyitaw
Union of Myanmar
Salutation: “Dear Senior General
Than Shwe”
Minister of Foreign Affairs
U Nyan Win
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Bldg. (19), Naypyitaw
Union of Myanmar
Salutation: “Dear Minister"
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]