UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERT CALLS ON GOVERNMENT OF MYANMAR TO RELEASE PROMINENT STUDENT LEADERS IMMEDIATELY

The following statement was issued today by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro:


The Special Rapporteur calls on the Government of Myanmar immediately to release prominent student leaders reportedly arrested on 27 September 2006.

Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kywe, who had previously served prison sentences totaling over 15 years since 1988, were arrested at their homes by the military yesterday and taken to three different locations.

The Special Rapporteur is extremely worried about their present condition, in light of the fact that over the last seven years he has received numerous reports of human rights violations in pre-trial detention.

The Special Rapporteur is deeply saddened by the latest allegations, which came as he addressed the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The arrests lead to serious questions regarding the will of the Government of Myanmar to resume an effective dialogue with the various stakeholders who should be associated to the National Convention.

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For use of the information media; not an official record