Press Release: Terry Evans

Burma: Long Jail Terms for Labour Rights Activists

23 January

The harsh reality of life under the brutal Burmese military regime has been clearly demonstrated this week. Six labour rights activists have been handed down long prison sentences for their part in organising labour rights discussions at the American Centre in Rangoon last May Day.

The Burmese authorities sentenced four of the activists - Thu Rein Aung, Wai Lin, Myo Min and Kyaw Min - to prison terms of 28 years. Two others - Kyaw Kyaw and Nyi Nyi Zaw - each received sentences of 20 years.

Appeals have been made to the International Labour Organization (ILO) to intervene in an attempt to secure the release of all six activists. However, when contacted, the ILO office in Rangoon declined to comment.

The activists, who were sentenced in September without a defence counsel, are been held at Burma's notorious Insein prison.

ENDS

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