Monthly Chronology of Burma’s Political Prisoners (August, 2011)

By Assistance Association for Political Prisoners - Burma • September 1, 2011

The laws set to criminalize peaceful dissent continue to reign in the Thein Sein regime, marking the month of August. Reports emerged that two youths were arrested and allegedly tortured for having three posters under their motorbike seat calling for the release of political prisoners. This is not unlawful, especially in light of recent calls by the Parliament requesting the release of political prisoners. Approximately 430 political activists are currently behind bars because of this oppressive law that dates back to the British colonial era, allowing for arbitrarily detention and arrests of activists.

The practice of arbitrarily extending sentences continued in August, with Sithu Zeya appearing in court to face further charges under the Electronic Transactions Act. The 23 year old DVB reporter, currently serving an 8 year sentence, was brutally tortured both during interrogation and in Insein prison, where he was placed in a military dog cell for not following prison regulations.

This post is in: Political Prisoners

Monthly Chronology of Burma’s Political Prisoners (August, 2011)

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