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.
The NLD-led government plans to introduce a new sex education curriculum in Burmese high schools in the coming academic year but Buddhist monks and nationalists have criticised the curriculum by stating that it is inappropriate for Burmese culture and society.
Kyaw Win Thant was arrested in May 2020 after he wrote on Facebook criticising Buddhist monks for opposing the government’s plan to teach sex education in schools, and he challenged their right to get involved in health and education matters.
After his arrest, he was charged under Sections 294(b) and 295(a) of the Burma’s Penal Code for insulting, defaming and hurting another’s religion. On 2nd June 2020, he was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison.
Kyaw Win Thant is currently serving his prison sentence in Obo prison in Mandalay.
Take Action
Write to the government of Burma
Key points to make:
- Highlight the case of Kyaw Win Thant.
- Express concern that political prisoners are still in jail.
- Call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Burma.
- Call for the repeal or replacement of repressive laws which are used to jail political prisoners.
An airmail letter from United Kingdom to Myanmar (Burma) costs £1.42 You can check the cost and buy postage online here: https://send.royalmail.com/
Burmese Embassy London
Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn
Embassy of Myanmar
19a Charles Street
London W1J 5DX
Email: ambassadoroffice@londonmyanmarembassy.com
Burmese President
President U Win Myint
President’s Office
Office No. 18
Nay Pyi Taw
Myanmar
Minister of Home Affairs
Lt. Gen. Soe Htut Minister of Home Affairs
Ministry of Home Affairs
Office No. 10
Nay Pyi Taw
Myanmar
Email: mohamyanmar@gmail.com
Write to Kyaw Win Thant
We know that letters can get through to political prisoners, and that it makes a real difference to them when they receive a letter. It lets them know that they haven’t been forgotten, that people are working for their release, and that there is hope.
Write to Kyaw Win Thant here:
Dr Kyaw Win Thant
C/O The governor of Obo Prison
Obo Prison
Mandalay
Myanmar
Letter writing tips:
- Letters can be as long or as short as you like. Even a half page letter is better than no letter at all!
- Tell them a little bit about yourself, your family, what you do.
- Tell them how you found out about their case.
- Say something about why you care and are taking the time to write this letter.
- Be encouraging, let them know that you and others will never give up campaigning for their release.
- If you have written to political prisoners before and they have been released, write about it. It will give them hope.
- Include an email address if you have one. When they are released they may be able to contact you.