Ko Aung Htun, a writer and former student activist, was imprisoned in Burma between 1990 and 1995 for organizing student demonstrations against military rule. After his release, he wrote a seven-volume history of the student movement in Burma. In February 1998 he was rearrested and sentenced to a total of 17 years’ imprisonment under charges pertaining to violation of censorship laws and to unlawful association with any organization deemed by authorities to be against state interests. He has been tortured during interrogation, and there are serious concerns about his health and safety. Information about his case may be found at www.amnestyusa.org. Send individual letters of appeal to:

Addresses

Senior General Than Shwe,
Chairman
State Peace and Development Council
Ministry of Defense
Naypyitaw
Union of Myanmar (for US Postal
Service, “Burma” should appear
in parentheses after “Myanmar”
on envelope only, not in the letter
itself)
Salutation: Dear Senior General

Minister Counselor U Myint Lwin
Chargé d’Affaires Ad Interim
Embassy of Myanmar
2300 S Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Salutation: Dear Sir

Sample Letter

I am writing to you to express my grave concern over the case of Ko Aung Htun, arrested in February 1998 and reportedly tortured under interrogation. In a press conference after his arrest authorities accused him of writing and illegally printing “largely exaggerated and biased accounts of events”, referring to his articles and books on the student movement. In April 1998 he was sentenced to a total of 17 years’ imprisonment: seven years under Section 5j of the 1950 Emergency Provision Act; seven years under the 1962 Printers and Publishers Registration Act; and three years under the Unlawful Associations Act.

I am concerned that the use of these emergency powers to silence writers like Ko Aung Htun constitutes a grave threat to freedom of expression and research. I urge you to conduct a prompt investigation into the trial and imprisonment of Ko Aung Htun, as well as the accusations of torture, and his current medical condition.

I respectfully await your response to this matter of great importance.

Sincerely,