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SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON MYANMAR EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER CONTINUING RESTRICTIONS ON LEGAL POLITICAL ACTIVITY
08 July 1998
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HR/98/46
8 July 1998
The Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Rajsoomer Lallah, is deeply concerned about recent reports that members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) continue to be subject to arbitrary arrest and to various forms of restrictions in the normal exercise of their activities.
According to information received, on 25 June 1998, a group of around 30 NLD writers, journalists and activists were prevented by security forces from attending a reading session regularly held at Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's home. When she and U Tin Oo went out to escort the group into the compound, they were allegedly verbally abused and beaten by security forces. Four young men who had surrounded Aung San Suu Kyi to protect her were severely beaten, while she was slightly injured. In protest at the refusal to allow the group access to her compound, Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo remained with the group. They were surrounded by security officers throughout the night until finally being allowed to enter her residence at 8 a.m. the following morning.
It has also been reported that a number of NLD members were arrested throughout the country during the last week of June. Among them are six NLD Youth leaders, including Ko Tun Zaw Zaw, as well as Members of Parliament such as Mahn Johny, from Kyong Pyaw township; David Hla Myint, of Ngapudaw township, and Dr. Tin Min Htut, from Pantanaw township.
Furthermore, as of 25 June, reports say, NLD Members of Parliament in various parts of the country, excluding Yangon Division, are required to remain within their township jurisdiction and to report to the nearest police station twice a day. Those who refuse to sign a declaration attesting to their presence are allegedly immediately taken into custody without any inquiry or trial. According to reports, this was the case for more than 15 representatives elected from various constituencies.
The Special Rapporteur has observed that in Myanmar the criminalization of political activity continues to take place and that NLD political leaders continue to be harassed, or their activities to be severely restricted, including their rights to receive and to impart information.
The Special Rapporteur has drawn the attention of the Government of Myanmar to the fact that the freedoms of expression, association and of peaceful assembly are basic and internationally recognized human right standards. The Special Rapporteur has urged the Government to do its utmost to ensure the personal integrity and the full enjoyment by all of the freedoms of opinion, expression and association, as well as to keep him informed of the situation. He has further asked for consultations regarding a proposed visit to Myanmar.
8 July 1998
The Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Rajsoomer Lallah, is deeply concerned about recent reports that members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) continue to be subject to arbitrary arrest and to various forms of restrictions in the normal exercise of their activities.
According to information received, on 25 June 1998, a group of around 30 NLD writers, journalists and activists were prevented by security forces from attending a reading session regularly held at Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's home. When she and U Tin Oo went out to escort the group into the compound, they were allegedly verbally abused and beaten by security forces. Four young men who had surrounded Aung San Suu Kyi to protect her were severely beaten, while she was slightly injured. In protest at the refusal to allow the group access to her compound, Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo remained with the group. They were surrounded by security officers throughout the night until finally being allowed to enter her residence at 8 a.m. the following morning.
It has also been reported that a number of NLD members were arrested throughout the country during the last week of June. Among them are six NLD Youth leaders, including Ko Tun Zaw Zaw, as well as Members of Parliament such as Mahn Johny, from Kyong Pyaw township; David Hla Myint, of Ngapudaw township, and Dr. Tin Min Htut, from Pantanaw township.
Furthermore, as of 25 June, reports say, NLD Members of Parliament in various parts of the country, excluding Yangon Division, are required to remain within their township jurisdiction and to report to the nearest police station twice a day. Those who refuse to sign a declaration attesting to their presence are allegedly immediately taken into custody without any inquiry or trial. According to reports, this was the case for more than 15 representatives elected from various constituencies.
The Special Rapporteur has observed that in Myanmar the criminalization of political activity continues to take place and that NLD political leaders continue to be harassed, or their activities to be severely restricted, including their rights to receive and to impart information.
The Special Rapporteur has drawn the attention of the Government of Myanmar to the fact that the freedoms of expression, association and of peaceful assembly are basic and internationally recognized human right standards. The Special Rapporteur has urged the Government to do its utmost to ensure the personal integrity and the full enjoyment by all of the freedoms of opinion, expression and association, as well as to keep him informed of the situation. He has further asked for consultations regarding a proposed visit to Myanmar.