Heavy Prison Sentences for Labour Rights Advocates

International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)

Burma: Heavy Prison Sentences for Six Labour Rights Advocates

The ITUC has sent a strongly worded letter of protest to the head of the Burmese military regime, General Than Shwe, over the imposition of heavy prison sentences on six labour rights supporters on 7 September.

The six, Thurein Aung, Kyaw Kyaw, Wai Lin, Myo Min, Kyaw Win, and Nyi Nyi Zaw, were all found guilty of ³inciting hatred or contempt for the government², and some of them for membership of ³illegal associations². Four of the six were sentenced to 28 years prison, and Nyi Nyi Zaw and Kyaw Kyaw to 20 years. All were arrested following a Labour Day event on May 1st in Rangoon.

³This latest act by the Burmese junta is yet another gross violation of fundamental rights by a regime which seems prepared to do anything to hold on to power,² said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder. ³Condemning these brave people to decades in prison, simply because they spoke up for workers¹ rights, is an intolerable action which requires a robust and determined response by the international community², he added.

The junta has reacted with force against a series of demonstrations and protests in recent days, as anger at a massive increase in the price of fuel has added to the discontent of people throughout the country over the military¹s heavy-handed mismanagement of the country and refusal to allow a return to democracy.

The regime¹s holding of a hand-picked ³national convention², which adopted guidelines for a new Constitution, is a ³sham, lacking any legitimacy with Burma¹s people and having no credibility with the international community², according to Ryder.

The ITUC, along with many other organisations and governments, has asked UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to urgently convene the UN Security Council to discuss the deteriorating situation in the country.

The sentences against the six have also been described by the UN¹s International Labour Organisation as ³entirely unwarranted². The ILO has called on the Burmese authorities to release those sentenced without delay.

ENDS

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