Htin Lin Oo Jailed for Criticising Religious Extremism

By Burma Campaign UK • June 2, 2015

Today, the military-backed government in Burma sentenced a writer, Htin Lin Oo, to two years hard labour for criticising religious extremism in Burma. Burma Campaign UK urged Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond to pressure the Burmese government to ensure the immediate unconditional release of Htin Lin Oo and the remaining political prisoners in Burma.

Htin Lin Oo is a writer and a former information officer from National League for Democracy (NLD). On 23rd October 2014, he gave a speech at a literary event in Chaung-U Township in Northern Burma. During his speech he criticised the use of Buddhism to promote discrimination and prejudice in the country.

He was arrested on 4th December 2014 after township officials filed a complaint against him. NLD removed him from his position as information officer after the criminal charges were filed against him.

After being detained for more than six months, he was sentenced to two years in Monywa Prison in Northern Burma.

“The Burmese government should be encouraging writers like Htin Lin Oo to promote interfaith tolerance in the country, rather than sending him to jail,” said Wai Hnin, Campaigns Officer at Burma Campaign UK. “Jailing of Htin Lin Oo is an example that people in Burma still get arrested for exercising their freedom of speech. It is time for the British government to step up public and private pressure to make sure that Htin Lin Oo and all remaining political prisoners are released immediately. ”

For more information contact: Wai Hnin Pwint Thon on +44(0)7875931038

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