Military Government Condemned For Not Taking Action Against Hunger Strikes

27 December 2007
Original report : Maung Too, DVB

On the 28th day of the hunger strike of Ko Htin Kyaw, the leader of prices inflation protest, the military junta was seriously condemned by international and domestic human rights organisations.

' Arresting and detaining someone only because he or she was expressing their opinions is a serious violation of the human rights,' said U Myint Aye, leader of HRDP (Human Rights Defenders and Promoters Network).

'Because he is in custody, this was the only way he could express his feelings so that's what he has been doing. Anyone, who has respect for human rights must take action, to provoke discussion and work towards a solution of the problems. Only people of uncivilised society would ignore someone this serious to express his opinion in the only way left open to him', he said.

U Nyan Win, member of media department, NLD party, who assessed Ko Htin Kyaw's case said his hunger strike action is not only systematic but also perfectly in line with the existing laws and legislations. He also explained that arresting the protesters is actually against the law.

'This is the most worrying and anxious time as Ko Htin Kyaw's hunger strike has reached the 28th day and his life is in serious danger', he added.

Ko Htin Kyaw was arrested on August 25, while leading the protest against the increase in all prices including fuel, which hit the poorest people hardest , when many workers couldn't even afford the daily bus fares. During his custody in Insein prison, Ko Htin Kyaw started the hunger strike on 30th November, demanding the immediate release of all political prisoners in the country, after witnessing the poor and inhumane conditions, in which they are being held and treated.

U Aung Myo Min, Director of Human Rights Education Department (HREIB), Thailand, criticised the military government for not making a single effort to consider, negotiate or discuss Ko Htin Kyaw's hunger strike.
'Arresting someone, who is protesting peacefully is already breaking the basic human rights law. It is also the right action to ask and demand the release of all political prisoners and human rights defenders and promoters', he added.

'We object to this illegal treatment of prisoners and condemn the military government's denial to recognise these basic rights and their refusal to take immediate action to listen to the hunger strikers'.