Min Naing and Chit Min
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. The residents of Aung Tha Pyay village have been opposed to the cement factory project for more than three years since its establishment in 2017 because it causes pollution and land confiscations.
During the protest in May 2019, security forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters. Min Naing and Chit Min Thu were among many villagers who were arrested for rioting.
Min Naing and Chit Min Thu were charged under Section 147 and 332 of Burma’s Penal Code for rioting and for “causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty.” In April 2020, they were sentenced to 2 years in prison. They are currently serving their prison sentences in Obo prison in Mandalay.
Take Action
Write to the government of Burma
Key points to make:
- Highlight the case of Min Naing and Chit Min.
- 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 Min Naing and Chit Min.
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 Min Naing and Chit Min. here:
Min Naing and Chit Min Thu
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.