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, Yangon.
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 Myanmar, the largest protests against the military junta since 1988.
(continued)
Amnesty International USA ▪ Campaign for Individuals at Risk
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YOU CAN HELP:
WRITE A LETTER TO THE MYANMAR OFFICIALS, ASKING THEM TO:
Bring about the immediate and
unconditional release of Min Ko Naing
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
Instigate 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 (Burma)
Salutation: “Dear Senior General
Than Shwe”
Minister of Foreign Affairs
U Nyan Win
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Bldg. (19), Naypyitaw
Union of Myanmar (Burma)
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]