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.
The Burmese military sold the land to a private company, Orchard Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Co, in 1999. The local farmers were forced to moved out of their homes and were given no compensation.
The company left the land vacant since its purchase, and the local farmers returned to the land in 2013 for farming. Since then many people have been arrested for protesting and farming on confiscated land.
The eight villagers were charged under Section 26 and 27 of the Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management Law for farming on privately-owned land. Since the Vacant Lands law was passed in 2012, many activists and civil society groups have criticised the law for its potential to increase land conflicts and grievances rather than resolving them.
The eight farmers were sentenced to 2 years in prison after their arrests in September 2019. They are currently serving their prison sentences in Maubin prison.
Take Action
Write to the government of Burma
Key points to make:
- Highlight the case of Nyein Maung, Kyaw Htay, Kyaw Khin, Pyone Sein, Than Lone, Ko Swe, Kan Myint and Moe Kyaw.
- 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 Nyein Maung, Kyaw Htay, Kyaw Khin, Pyone Sein, Than Lone, Ko Swe, Kan Myint and Moe Kyaw
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 Nyein Maung, Kyaw Htay, Kyaw Khin, Pyone Sein, Than Lone, Ko Swe, Kan Myint and Moe Kyaw here:
Nyein Maung, Kyaw Htay, Kyaw Khin, Pyone Sein, Than Lone, Ko Swe, Kan Myint and Moe Kyaw
C/O The governor of Maubin Prison
Maubin Prison
Ayeyarwady Region
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.