COUNTRY: Myanmar (Burma)
POLITICAL AFFILIATION: Member of the National League for Democracy
DATE OF ARREST: 28/29 October 1997
PLACE OF DETENTION: Insein Prison, Yangon
PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE U Mya Thaung and six other prominent members of the NLD were arrested along with others at a meeting of the group on 28 October 1997 in Mayangone township. The meeting was held to discuss reorganization of the NLD youth wing. On 5 December 1997 U Mya Thaung was sentenced to six years in prison under Section 5j of the 1950 Emergency Provisions Act. Section 5j provides for the detention of anyone who "causes or intends to disrupt the morality or the behavior of a group of people..." It is frequently used to imprison political prisoners in Myanmar.
AMNESTY CONCERNS: Amnesty International considers U Mya Thaung to be a Prisoner of Conscience held for his political, non-violent beliefs, and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.