Lengthy prison terms for nine pro-democracy activists

by Than Htike Oo

Tuesday, 11 November 2008 21:15

Chiang Mai – Nine pro-democracy activists involved in the saffron revolution of September 2007, were sentenced to lengthy terms in prison today, including a 24-year term for one. They were under detention for a year. Pye Phyo Hlaing was sentenced to 24 years in prison, Nay Lin Aung for 22 years, Nyan Lin Htut, Thein Zaw, Pye Phyo Aung, Aung Myo Paing and Phyo Maung Maung Soe were sentenced to 10 years each and Thiha Thet Tin and Thiha Aung Aung were sentenced to eight years each.   "Family members were unable to meet them today. Thiha Aung Aung's father came and enquired about the fate of his son. He went back to Bogale. He took back with him the sad news of the long prison terms of the activists under the different charges and sections. He had to ask a prison official as he could not enter the prison precincts. The prison official contacted over telephone informed him," a person close to family members of the activists told Mizzima.   The activists were charged with illegal border crossing under section 13(1) of the Immigration Act, under section 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act, under sections 17/20 of the Printers Act and under section 505(b) of the Penal Code (inducing crime against public tranquility)  and sentenced to long prison terms.   Daw Hmwe, mother of Pye Phyo Hlaing who was handed the longest prison term today said, "I think the punishment is too harsh as I do not know under which sections they framed charges. I feel extremely sorry for them. Now they (authorities) are sentencing the activists arbitrarily".   Similarly 88 Generation Students were sentenced to 65 years in prison each today by a court sitting in session inside the Insein prison premises. They are Panneik Tun, Jimmy a.k.a. Kyaw Min Yuu, Min Zeya, Ant Bwe Kyaw, Zeya, Thet Zaw, Aye Than a.k.a. Thant Tin, Kyaw Kyaw Htwe, Zaw Zaw Min, Nilar Thein, Mar Mar Oo, Sandar Min, Mee Mee a.k.a. Thin Thin Aye and Thet Thet Aung. They were charged under four counts under the Electronic Law and the Unlawful Associations Act. Moreover human right activist and 'National League for Democracy' (NLD) Youth member Suu Suu Nwe was sentenced to 12 and-a-half years in prison today.   She was charged under sections 143/147 of the Penal Code (Unlawful Assembly and Rioting), section 505(b) of the Penal Code (inducing crime against public tranquility) and section 124(a) of the Penal Code (disaffection towards State and Government).   < Prev   Next >