ABSDF DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF

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Subject: ABSDF DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF MIN KO NAING




Media Release - 22/99
March 23,1999


ABSDF Demands Immediate Release of Min Ko Naing


The All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) has demanded the immediate
release of student leader Min Ko Naing, who was jailed ten years ago on
March 23, 1989 by the Burmese military junta for his role in the 1988
pro-democracy movement.

Min Ko Naing was charged under section 5(j) of the 1950 Emergency
Provisions Act and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with hard labour for
his role in the movement. He was an active organizer of demonstrations
during the uprising.  As Chairman of the All Burma Federation of Student
Unions (ABFSU), he became an inspirational figure to his fellow students
and the people of Burma. His speeches, public pledges and poems caught the
spirit of the people and made him a leading light in the opposition to
military rule.

Min Ko Naing's decade in prison has been spent in solitary confinement.
There are numerous reports of his torture by the military authorities.
Although international human rights organizations, including Amnesty
International, have declared him a prisoner of conscience, his prison
conditions have not improved.

Min Ko Naing is a man of sacrifice said Moe Thee Zun, ABSDF Vice-chairman,
who led demonstrations with Min Ko Naing and is a close friend.

"Min Ko Naing's only ambition in the struggle for democracy is to
contribute and sacrifice. He has been this way since he was very young. He
has survived all these years because of his strong will and commitment to
justice and freedom." 

Late last year unconfirmed reports circulated of Min Ko Naing's death. In
another rumour he was said to have been transferred to Sittwe Prison in
Arakan State. Only his immediate family members are allowed to see him
during prison visits. During one visit he asked his parents to "bring news
instead of food".

Min Ko Naing was a prime target of the authorities, and is considered to be
second only to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in his importance to the democracy
movement within Burma.

On the tenth anniversary of his detention, the ABSDF demands that the
Burmese military junta unconditionally release Min Ko Naing.


All Burma Students' Democratic Front

For more information please contact 01-253 9082, 01-654 4984