Free All Political Prisoners

Nyi Nyi Min Htet, Aung Khaing Min, Thet Maung Maung, Hla Htun Aung and Thuta Nyi Nyi

Nyi Nyi Min Htet, Aung Khaing Min, Thet Maung Maung, Hla Htun Aung and Thuta Nyi Nyi are members of the All Burma Federation Student Unions (ABFSU) in Mandalay. They were arrested in September for taking part in an anti-military and anti-war protest regarding the violence in Rakhine State.

They are currently on trial while being detained in Obo prison in Mandalay. If they are convicted, they could be serving more than two years in prison.

Kyaw Ye Thu and Htet Aung

Kyaw Ye Thu is the president of the Student Union of Pyay University, and Htet Aung is a Vice President of the All Burma Federation of Students Unions (ABFSU). They were arrested in September for taking part in an anti-military and anti-war protest regarding the violence in Rakhine State.

In November, the were sentenced to one year in prison in Paungde Prison.

Kyaw Thiha Ye Kyaw and Soe Hla Naing

Kyaw Thiha Ye Kyaw and Soe Hla Naing are members of the All Burma Federation Student Unions (ABFSU) in Mandalay. They were arrested in September 2020 for taking part in an anti-military and anti-war protest regarding the violence in Rakhine State.

Currently, they are serving their seven years and one month prison terms in Obo prison in Mandalay.

Ye Yint Aung

Ye Yint Aung is a member of the All Burma Federation Student Unions (ABFSU) in Mandalay. He was arrested in September 2020 for taking part in an anti-military and anti-war protest regarding the violence in Rakhine State.

In October, he was convicted under both counts, and sentenced to one year and one month in prison. He is currently serving his prison sentence in Obo prison in Mandalay.

Saw Kyaw Naing Win and Lay Naing

Saw Kyaw Naing Win and Lay Naing are activists who work with factory workers and farmers. Saw Kyaw Naing Win is also a lawyer who helps with labour rights issues.

They were sentenced to two years in prison by the Bago Township Court in October. They are currently serving their prison sentences in Bago Prison.

Ye Ko Naing

Ye Ko Naing is a policeman from Alel Chaung Village in Rakhine State. He was arrested in July for allegedly working with the Arakan Army (AA).

He is currently serving his prison sentence in Kyaukpyu Prison in Rakhine State.

Nyein Maung, Kyaw Htay, Kyaw Khin, Pyone Sein, Than Lone, Ko Swe, Kan Myint and Moe Kyaw

Nyein Maung, Kyaw Htay, Kyaw Khin, Pyone Sein, Than Lone, Ko Swe, Kan Myint and Moe Kyaw are farmers from Maletto village in Ayeyarwady region. They were arrested in September 2019 for farming on confiscated land.

They have been sentenced to 2 years in prison.

Min Naing and Chit Min Thu

Min Naing and Chit Min Thu are local residents of Aung Tha Pyay village in Mandalay. They were arrested in May 2019 after taking part in a protest against the building of a Chinese-financed cement factory project.

In April 2020, they were sentenced to 2 years in prison.

Moe Linn

Moe Linn is a village administrator of Aung Tha Pyay village in Mandalay. He was arrested in May 2019 after taking part in a protest against the construction of a Chinese-financed cement factory project.

In December 2019, he was sentenced to one year in prison with hard labour for defamation, and 5 years imprisonment for the three other charges.

Kyaw Win Thant

Kyaw Win Thant is a Burmese medical doctor who was arrested for criticising Buddhist monks over their objection to the teaching of sex education in schools.

On 2^nd June 2020, he was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison.

Naing Tun Aung, Kyaw Zeya, Min Thein and Pho Mar

Naing Tun Aung, Kyaw Zeya, Min Thein and Pho Mar were arrested in May 2019 after taking part in a protest against the building of a Chinese-financed cement factory project.

After nearly a year in detention, they were sentenced to 5 years imprisonment in March 2020.

Aung Kyi Myint

Aung Kyi Myint is a reporter at Channel Mandalay TV. He was arrested in May 2019 for covering a land rights protest against a coal-fired cement factory in Mandalay.

In April 2020, he was sentenced to 2 years in prison.

Nay Myo Zin

Nay Myo Zin is a prominent political activist and a former political prisoner. In April 2019, he was arrested for making a speech in which he criticised the Burmese military for its role in politics and called for constitutional reform.

In September 2019, he was sentenced to two years in prison. Two more years were added to his sentence in November 2019.

Aung Marm Oo

Aung Marm Oo is a journalist currently in hiding from Burma’s notorious Special Branch police, fearing arrest and up to five years in jail.

All Aung Marm Oo did is try to report on what is going on in Rakhine State, Burma. That included reporting on human rights violations by the military against civilians. He has received death threats, and now Special Branch are looking for him.

Campaign Successes

The following prisoners have been released:

Members of the Peacock Generation Thangyat group

Released on 17 April 2021

Six student activists were arrested in April 2019 for criticising the military in their satirical performance during the Burmese New Year celebration. They were sentenced to 2 to 4 years imprisonment with hard labour in Insein Prison.

Kay Khaing Tun, Zayar Lwin, Paing Ye Thu, Paing Phyo Min, Su Yadanar Myint and Zaw Lin Htut are members of Peacock Generation Thangyat group in Burma.

Thangyat is a type of slam poetry traditionally performed during the Burmese New Year holiday, and Thangyat groups usually highlight difficulties and situations of the country in a series of jokes. The Peacock Generation Thangyat group includes current and former members of the Student Union in Burma. Their satirical performance mostly included materials about the country’s constitution and the military.

They were charged under the 66 (d) of the Telecommunication Law for defamation and the 505 (a) of Burma’s Penal Code. 505 (a) criminalises any statements or rumours “with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, any officer, soldier, sailor or airman in the Army, Navy or Air Force to mutiny or otherwise disregard or fail in his duty as such.”

In November 2019, all seven students were sentenced to one-year imprisonment with hard labour for violating the 505 (a) of Burma’s Penal Code. Subsequently, they were found guilty of defamation after their trials.

Kay Khaing Tun, Su Yadanar Myint and Zaw Lin Htut were released in 2020 after they served their sentences.

Zayar Lwin, Paing Phyo Min and Paing Ye Thu were released on 17 April 2021 as part of a Burmese New Year prisoner amnesty.

Zayar Lwin

Released on 17 April 2021

Zayar Lwin is a student activist and a member of Peacock Generation Thangyat group. He was arrested in April 2019 during the Burmese New Year celebration for criticising and making fun of the military during a satirical performance.

Thangyat is a type of slam poetry traditionally performed during the Burmese New Year holiday, and Thangyat groups usually highlight difficulties and situations of the country in a series of jokes. The Peacock Generation Thangyat group includes current and former members of the Student Union in Burma. Their satirical performance mostly included materials about the country’s constitution and the military.

He was charged under Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code in two different townships in Rangoon for defamation. In November 2019, he was given two one – year prison sentences with hard labour to be served consecutively for violating the 505 (a) of Burma’s Penal Code. He was also charged under Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Act for posting photos and videos and livestreaming performances on Facebook. He was sentenced six years imprisonment with hard labour.

While Zayar Lwin has fought for the country’s democracy and freedom, he also propagated hatred against the Rohingya on social media, and supported the military’s attack on the Rohingya in 2017 as a legitimate response to “terrorism”. Full article can be read here.

He was released on 17 April 2021 as part of a Burmese New Year prisoner amnesty.

Paing Phyo Min

Released on 17 April 2021

Paing Phyo Min is a President of the Dagon University Students’ Union and a member of Peacock Generation Thangyat group. He was arrested in April 2019 during the Burmese New Year celebration for criticising and making fun of the military during a satirical performance.

Thangyat is a type of slam poetry traditionally performed during the Burmese New Year holiday, and Thangyat groups usually highlight difficulties and situations of the country in a series of jokes. The Peacock Generation Thangyat group includes current and former members of the Student Union in Burma. Their satirical performance mostly included materials about the country’s constitution and the military.

He was charged under Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code in two different townships in Rangoon for defamation. In November 2019, he was given two one – year prison sentences with hard labour to be served consecutively for violating the 505 (a) of Burma’s Penal Code.

He was also charged under Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Act for posting photos and videos and livestreaming performances on Facebook. He was sentenced to six years imprisonment with hard labour.

He was released on 17 April 2021 as part of a Burmese New Year prisoner amnesty.

Paing Ye Thu

Released on 17 April 2021

Paing Ye Thu is a member of the Dagon University Students’ Union and a member of Peacock Generation Thangyat group. He was arrested in April 2019 during the Burmese New Year celebration for criticising and making fun of the military during a satirical performance.

Thangyat is a type of slam poetry traditionally performed during the Burmese New Year holiday, and Thangyat groups usually highlight difficulties and situations of the country in a series of jokes. The Peacock Generation Thangyat group includes current and former members of the Student Union in Burma. Their satirical performance mostly included materials about the country’s constitution and the military.

He was charged under Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code in two different townships in Rangoon for defamation. In November 2019, he was given two one – year prison sentences with hard labour to be served consecutively for violating the 505 (a) of Burma’s Penal Code. He was also charged under Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Act for posting photos and videos and livestreaming performances on Facebook. He was sentenced to six years imprisonment with hard labour.

While Paing Ye Thu has fought for the country’s democracy and freedom, he also propagated hatred against the Rohingya on social media, and supported the military’s attack on the Rohingya in 2017 as a legitimate response to “terrorism”. Full article can be read here.

He was released on 17 April 2021 as part of a Burmese New Year prisoner amnesty.

Thein Aung Myat

Thein Aung Myat is a Rakhine ethnic civilian. He was arrested in April 2019 for printing and distributing a Rakhine language calendar, which includes the same terminology used by the Arakan Army (AA).

Thein Aung Myat was charged under Section 17 (1) of the Unlawful Association Act for allegedly involving with the AA, and sentenced to 2 years imprisonment in November 2019.

He was released on 23^rd November 2020 after serving one year and six months of his sentence.

Zaw Lin Htut

Zaw Lin Htut is a student activist and a member of Peacock Generation Thangyat group. He was arrested in April 2019 during the Burmese New Year celebration for criticising and making fun of the military during a satirical performance.

Thangyat is a type of slam poetry traditionally performed during the Burmese New Year holiday, and Thangyat groups usually highlight difficulties and situations of the country in a series of jokes. The Peacock Generation Thangyat group includes current and former members of the Student Union in Burma. Their satirical performance mostly included materials about the country’s constitution and the military.

He was charged under Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code for incitement and Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Act for posting photos and videos and livestreaming performances on Facebook. In December 2019, he was sentenced to two years prison sentence with hard labour.

He was released in October 2020, after completing his sentence.

Kay Khine Tun

Kay Khine Tun is a nurse at Yangon Children’s Hospital and a member of the Peacock Generation Thangyat group. She was arrested in April 2019 during the Burmese New Year celebration for criticising and making fun of the military during a satirical performance.

The Peacock Generation Thangyat group includes current and former members of the Student Union in Burma. Their satirical performance mostly included materials about the country’s constitution and the military.

She was charged under Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code in two different townships in Rangoon. In November 2019, she was given two one – year prison sentences with hard labour to be served consecutively for violating the 505 (a) of Burma’s Penal Code. She was also charged under Section 66 (d) of the Telecommunications Act for posting photos and videos and livestreaming performances on Facebook. In December 2019, an additional six months jail term was added after being found guilty of “online defamation” under Section 66 (d).

Kay Khine Tun was released in October 2020.

Zar Zar Tun and Lay Lay Mar

Zar Zar Tun and Lay Lay Mar are leaders of the All Burma Federation of Trade Union (ABFTU). They were arrested in May 2020 for their part organising and supporting a garment factory workers’ strike.

They were sentenced to three months in prison.

They were released after finishing their sentence but they were also charged under Section 114 of the Penal Code for supporting the protest. Their trial under Section 114 will resume after the Covid restrictions are lifted.

They were fired from their jobs for taking part in the protest.

Su Yadanar Myint

Su Yadanar Myint is a student activist and a member of Peacock Generation Thangyat group. She was arrested in April 2019 during the Burmese New Year celebration for criticising and making fun of the military during a satirical performance. 

Thangyat is a type of slam poetry traditionally performed during the Burmese New Year holiday, and Thangyat groups usually highlight difficulties and situations of the country in a series of jokes. The Peacock Generation Thangyat group includes current and former members of the Student Union in Burma. Their satirical performance mostly included materials about the country’s constitution and the military.

She was charged under Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code for incitement and Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Act for posting photos and videos and live streaming performances on Facebook. In December 2019, she was sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour in Insein Prison.

Su Yadanar Myint was released from prison on 19^th August 2020, after completing her sentence.

Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi

On 29^th August 2019, Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi, a Burmese filmmaker, was sentenced to 1 year in prison for criticising the military-drafted 2008 Constitution and the military’s role in politics.

Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi was released from prison on 21 February 2020.

Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo

Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were arrested in Rangoon after investigating the killing of 10 Rohingya men buried in a mass grave.

They were arrested on 12th December 2017 after being invited to meet police officials over dinner.

They were charged under the Official Secrets Act and were sentenced to 7 years in prison on 3 September 2018

They were released under a Presidential amnesty on 7 May 2019

Mai Cho Min Htwe

14-year-old Mai Cho Min Htwe was convicted without a trial on 30^th October 2017 for allegedly being involved with an ethnic armed group and sentenced to two years in prison.

He was charged under Article 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act.

There was no proper trial and he had no access to lawyers until three days after he was convicted. According to Mai Cho Min Htwe’s lawyer, military officers reportedly interrogated Mai Cho Min Htwe overnight, beat him, and deprived him of sleep, food, and water.

He was released under a Presidential amnesty on 7 May 2019

Ma Hla Phyu

Ma Hla Phyu, a Rohingya teacher, was arrested on 23^rd May 2018 and sentenced to one year in prison with hard labour, just for travelling without permission from the government.

She served her sentence in Thandwe Prison, Rakhine State.

Released at the end of her sentence in 2019.

Kachin activists

On 7 December 2018,  Nang Pu, Lum Zawng and Zau Jat were sentenced to six months in prison and 500,000 Kyat (£250) fine each in Kachin State, Northern Burma. They organised peaceful protests during the spring of 2018 in support of villagers trapped in the jungle, after the Burmese army had attacked their villages.

They were charged with defamation under Article 500 of the Penal Code.

Nang Pu was released two months early on 5 April 2019

Lum Zawng and Zau Jat were released on 26 April 2019

Mading Zau Bawk

• Ethnic Kachin farmer arrested in May 2012 on false accusation.
• Released on 17 April 2018

Lahpai Gam 

• Kachin farmer who was arrested in June 2012 on a false accusation and brutally tortured.
• Given a 21 year prison sentence.
• Released on 17 April 2018

Dumdaw Nawng Latt and Langjaw Gam Seng

Dumdaw Nawng Latt and Langjaw Gam Seng are two ethnic Kachin pastors.

In October 2017, Dumdaw Nawng Latt was sentenced to four years and three months and Langjaw Gam Seng was sentenced to two years and three months in jail.

They were arrested in December 2016 for helping journalists from Rangoon report on the situation in Mong Ko, the site of heavy fighting between the Burmese Army and a coalition of ethnic armed organisations.

Released on 17 April 2018

Khaing Myo Htun

• A Rakhine human rights activist arrested on 25^th July 2016 for exposing human rights abuses committed by the Burmese Army.
• Charged under Section 505 (b) and (c) of the Myanmar Penal code.
• Released on 22 February 2018, after he served 18 months in prison – including nine months in pre-trial detention.

Zaw Zaw Latt and Pwint Phyu Latt

• Human rights defenders, Zaw Zaw Latt and Pwint Phyu Latt were arrested in July 2015 on trumped up charges because of their work to promote religious freedom.
• In April 2016, Zaw Zaw Latt and Pwint Phyu Latt were sentenced to four years in prison with hard labour.
• Released on 24 May 2017 under a Presidential amnesty.

U Gambira  

• A leader of the 2007 Saffron Revolution. Arrested in November 2007 and sentenced to 68 years in prison.
• Released on 13 January 2012.
• Arrested and released several times during 2012.
• He was arrested again on January 19 2016 and charged under section 13(a) of the Burma Immigration (Emergency Provisions) Act of 1947.
• On 26 April 2016 he was sentenced to six months in prison with hard labour.
• Released on 1 July 2016, at the end of his sentence.

Htin Lin Oo

• A writer and a former Information Officer for the National League for Democracy (NLD).
• Arrested after a speech on 23^rd October 2014 where he criticised the use of Buddhism to promote discrimination and prejudice in the country.
• Charged under Section 295(a) of “insulting religion” and under Section 298 of “wounding religious feelings” and sentenced to two years with hard labour on 2 June 2015.
• He was released on 17 April 2016.

Nilar Thein

• Nilar Thein is one of the prominent leaders of the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society Group and a former political prisoner.
• Arrested on 24th February 2016 for allegedly supporting student protests against the National Education Bill last year.
• Released on 8 April 2016

Aung Soe

• A human rights activist who has been repeatedly arrested and jailed for his peaceful political activities.
• Arrested on 18^th May 2014 for his involvement in anti-land-grab protests in Mandalay and sentenced to 3 years and 6 months.
  
• He was released on 17 April 2016.

Naing Htay Lwin and Myo Min Min

• Naing Htay Lwin and Myo Min Min are trade union leaders, were arrested in February 2015 for asking for a pay rise of $1 a day for garment workers.
• They were arrested for protesting without permission, and they were also falsely accused of advocating violence during protests.
• On 11^th September 2015, they were sentenced to two years and six months in Insein prison.
• They were released on 17 April 2016.

Htin Kyaw

• A human rights activist who has been repeatedly arrested and jailed for his peaceful political activities.
• Arrested on 5^th May 2014, and charged under two different counts including under Article 18 of the Peaceful Assembly Law. Sentenced to nine years and four months in Insein prison.
• Released on 17 April 2016

Naw Ohn Hla

• Naw Ohn Hla is a prominent woman activist, who has been arrested and imprisoned several times.
• She was arrsted in December 2014 and sentenced to six years and two months in , just for taking part in a peaceful protest.
• Released on 8 April 2016

Patrick Kum Jaa Lee

• Arrested on 14^th October 2015 for allegedly sharing a picture on Facebook which mocked the Burmese military.
• On 22 January 2016, he was sentenced to six months in prison for “online defamation”.
• Released on 1 April 2016.

Myint Soe

• Labour activist who was arrested in March 2013 for cutting down a tree.
• Sentenced to 7 and half years in prison.
• Released January 2016.

Brang Yung

• Kachin Farmer who was arrested in June 2012 on false accusation and brutally tortured.
• Released 28 December 2015

Sein Than

• A community leader arrested on 31July 2014 for leading peaceful protests in support of people demanding compensation or return of their land that was confiscated by the military.
• Released 2015

Bi Mon Te Nay journalists

• Bi Mon Te Nay Journal’s three journalists Kyaw Zaw Hein, Win Tin, Thura Aung, and owners Yin Min Htun and Kyaw Min Khaing were arrested in July 2014.
• They were sentenced under section 505 (b) of Burma’s penal code for “committing or inducing others to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquility.” The journal was shut down after they were arrested.
• Released July 2015.
  

Ba Thar, Kyaw Khin, Kyaw Myint and Hla Myint

• Rohingya community leaders jailed in March 2015for calling themselves Rohingya.
• Released 30 July 2015

Aung Ko Latt

• Democracy activist who works to promote human rights education, sentenced to 11 years in prison.
• Released 30 July 2015

Dr Tun Aung, a community leader arrested in June 2012 and sentenced to 17 years in prison, was released on 19 January 2014.

Released on 7 October 2014. La Ring is an ethnic Kachin farmer who was arrested in June 2012.

Released on 7 October 2014. Kyaw Hla Aung is a community leader who was arrested on 15th July 2013. 

Released on 24th June 2014.  Nay Myo Zin and Win Cho were released after serving their sentences.

Released on 24 January 2014. Bauk Ja is an ethnic Kachin activist arrested on 18th July.

Released on 24 December 2013. Thant Zin Htet is a student activist arrested on 11th June 2013 for promoting farmers’ rights.

Released on 24 December 2013. Khin Mi Mi Khaing and Myint Myint Aye are leaders of women’s networks. Arrested June 2013 after they supported farmers protesting on confiscated land.

Released on 15 November 2013 Naw Ohn Hla is a prominent woman activist arrested on 13th August 2013 for leading a peaceful protest without permission.

Released on 15 November 2013 Aung Soe was arrested in April 2013 for organising ploughing protests on confiscated land.

Released on 23 July 2013. Kachin farmer Brang Shawng was arrested in June 2012. While he was under interrogation, he was brutally tortured.

Released on 17 May 2013 Win Myint, Kan Min Thar and Tun Oo are political activists who were jailed by the military-backed government in Burma.

Released on 18 January 2013 Aung Hmine San, Than Htike, Min Naing Lwin and Thein Aung Myint were arrested for protesting without permission in December 2012. They were sentenced to one month in prison but freed after the trial as they had already been in prison for 33 days.

Released on 19 November 2012 Zaw Zaw Aung is a human rights activist who had been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Released on 19 November 2012 Myint Aye is a 62-year-old activist who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2008.

Released on 17 September 2012 Shwe Htoo, a retired teacher who was sent to prison for 42 years in 1998.

Released on 3 July 2012 Khun Kawrio was sentenced to 37 years in prison for his part in the campaign against the 2008 referendum.

Released on 3 July 2012 NLD member Thant Zaw was sent to prison for 30 years in 1989.

Released on 3 July 2012 Aye Aung was sentenced to 59 years in prison in 1998.