The Burma Campaign UK condemned the arrests of Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Ko Htay Kyaw. The three are leaders of the 88 Students Generation who were among the leaders of the democracy uprising in 1988. Other members of their organisation have been told to stay away from events being held today to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the founding of the National League for Democracy. It is not yet clear whether the detentions will be permanent, or a temporary measure.
“This clearly demonstrates that the regime is not serious about its so-called road map to democracy”, said Mark Farmaner, Campaigns Manager at the Burma Campaign UK. The regime is not confident about its hold on the country, and will tolerate no dissent. The UN Security Council discusses Burma on Friday, and must take action to stop these abuses.”
Shortly before his arrest, Min Ko Naing repeated his call for the UN Security Council to pass a binding resolution requiring the restoration of democracy in Burma.
Min Ko Naing is Burma’s most prominent pro-democracy leader after Aung San Suu Kyi. He spent more than 15 years in detention, and was released in 2004 having served five years more than he had been sentenced to. He had been tortured and kept in solitary confinement. More than 1,000 political prisoners remain in jail.
For more information, contact Mark Farmaner on 020 7324 4713