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SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON MYANMAR: PRES



UNITED NATIONS
Press Release

HR/98/46
8 July 1998


SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON MYANMAR EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER
CONTINUING RESTRICTIONS ON LEGAL POLITICAL ACTIVITY

         
The Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Rajsoomer
Lallah, is deeply concerned about recent reports that members of the
National League for Democracy
(NLD) continue to be subject to arbitrary arrest and to various forms of
restrictions in the normal exercise of their activities.

According to information received, on 25 June 1998, a group of around 30
NLD writers, journalists and activists were prevented by security forces
from attending a reading session
regularly held at Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's home. When she and U Tin Oo went
out to escort the group into the compound, they were allegedly verbally
abused and beaten by security forces. Four young men who had surrounded
Aung San Suu Kyi to protect her were severely beaten, while she was
slightly injured. In protest at the refusal to allow the group access to
her compound, Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo remained with the group. They
were surrounded by security officers throughout the night until finally
being allowed to enter her residence at 8 a.m. the following morning.

It has also been reported that a number of NLD members were arrested
throughout the country during the last week of June. Among them are six NLD
Youth leaders, including Ko Tun Zaw Zaw, as well as Members of Parliament
such as Mahn Johny, from Kyong Pyaw township; David Hla Myint, of Ngapudaw
township, and Dr. Tin Min Htut, from Pantanaw township.

Furthermore, as of 25 June, reports say, NLD Members of Parliament in
various parts of the country, excluding Yangon Division, are required to
remain within their township jurisdiction and to report to the nearest
police station twice a day. Those who refuse to sign a declaration
attesting to their presence are allegedly immediately taken into custody
without any inquiry or trial. According to reports, this was the case for
more than 15 representatives elected from various constituencies.

The Special Rapporteur has observed that in Myanmar the criminalization of
political activity continues to take place and that NLD political leaders
continue to be harassed, or their activities to be severely restricted,
including their rights to receive and to impart information.

The Special Rapporteur has drawn the attention of the Government of Myanmar
to the fact that the freedoms of expression, association and of peaceful
assembly are basic and
internationally recognized human right standards. The Special Rapporteur
has urged the Government to do its utmost to ensure the personal integrity
and the full enjoyment by all of the freedoms of opinion, expression and
association, as well as to keep him informed of the situation. He has
further asked for consultations regarding a proposed visit to Myanmar. 

                                       
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Geneva,
Switzerland