Pado Mahn Nyein Maung Must Be Released and Grave Charges Dropped

By Nationalities Youth Forum and Students and Youth Congress of Burma • March 12, 2012

We note that in July 2011 Pado Mahn Nyein Maung, a member of the Karen National Union (KNU) Central Committee, was deported from China to Burma and is currently under trial facing charges under the Unlawful Associations Act (17/1) and of High Treason (122/1 of the penal code), which carries a sentence of life imprisonment or death penalty. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on March 13, 2012.
U Thein Sein’s government continues to call for peace in Burma, however, this must be followed up by sincere and concrete actions. Pado Mahn Nyein Maung’s release would be a confidence building measure and a sign of the government’s sincerity in their ceasefire negotiations with the Karen National Union.
At this time it is important to reach a solution to the political conflict and civil war that have continued for over 60 years. Mutual understanding and trust building must be undertaken on the path towards national reconciliation and to achieve a federal union for the people of Burma.
As a multi-ethnic country, Burma needs peace, trust and mutual understanding for we must live together hand-to-hand. Reforms are underway, however, for real transformation, Pado Mahn Nyein Maung and all political prisoners must be released.

For more information, please contact:
Naw San +66(0)848119594
Lway Moe Hlaing +66(0)894350273

This post is in: Press Release