As part of a new campaign to highlight how several political prisoners are back in jail after having previously been released, Burma Campaign UK today called for the immediate and unconditional release of Naw Ohn Hla. Burma Campaign UK also urged the Home Affairs Minister, Lt General Ko Ko, to reform the Prisoners of Conscience Affairs Committee and to ensure the release of Naw Ohn Hla and all remaining political prisoners in Burma.
Naw Ohn Hla is a former political prisoner and a leading member of the Democracy and Peace Women Network (DPWN), which campaigns for women’s rights, equality and democracy in Burma.
On 30th December 2014, she was arrested for protesting outside the Chinese Embassy in Rangoon. She is currently serving a prison sentence of six years and two months in Insein Prison in Rangoon.
The protesters were urging the military-backed government in Burma to carry out an investigation into the death of Khin Win. Khin Win was shot dead on 22 December 2014 when police opened fire on her and other protesters who were protesting against land being taken over for the Chinese run Letpadaung copper mine project in Sagaing region.
The Letpadaung project is a venture between China’s Wan Bao Company, the military-owned Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd and the Burmese government. It has resulted in land confiscations, environmental degradation, and the implementation of a policy of arresting and harassing peaceful protesters.
“Naw Ohn Hla was jailed for over six years simply because of her peaceful political activities. She is also facing further charges for peaceful protesting and she could receive even more time in jail,” said Wai Hnin, Campaigns Officer at Burma Campaign UK. “The government uses repressive laws to intimidate and jail political activists like Naw Ohn Hla. Naw Ohn Hla and the remaining political prisoners should be released immediately and unconditionally.”
