Urgent Action update: Acquitted former child soldier remains jailed
Former child solider Aung Ko Htwe has been acquitted of the latest in a series of charges against him after he gave a media interview about being forcibly recruited by the Myanmar military when he was only 13. Despite this acquittal, he remains in prison serving two years and six months on other politically motivated charges. He should be immediately and unconditionally released.
Take action.
Please write immediately in English, Burmese or your own language urging the Myanmar authorities to:
- Immediately and unconditionally release Aung Ko Htwe and quash all convictions for which he is imprisoned, as he is being punished solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights;
- Ensure that, pending his release, Aung Ko Htwe is held in conditions which meet international standards, and that he has regular access to family, lawyers of his choosing, and any healthcare he requires;
- Repeal or amend all laws – including Section 505(b) of the Penal Code – which criminalize or impose arbitrary or sweeping restrictions on the human right to freedom of expression and bring Myanmar legislation into line with international human rights law and standards.
PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 26 DECEMBER 2018 TO:
President
U Win Myint
President’s Office, Office No. 18
Nay Pyi Taw
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Fax: +95 1 652 624
Salutation: Your Excellency
Minister of Home Affairs
Lt. Gen. Kyaw Swe
Office No. 10, Nay Pyi Taw
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Fax: +95 67 412 439
Email: mohamyanmar@gmail.com
Salutation: Dear Minister
And copies to:
State Counsellor
Aung San Suu Kyi
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Office No. 9
Nay Pyi Taw
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Fax: + 95 67 412 396
Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country.
HIS EXCELLENCY KYAW ZWAR MINN, Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, 19A Charles Street, London W1J 5DX, General Office 020 7148 0740 / 020 7499 4340, Ambassador's Office 020 7148 0749, admin@londonmyanmarembassy.com, ambassadoroffice@londonmyanmarembassy.com
Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.