U Win Tin: One Man’s Birthday Wish
Posted on: 01/08/07

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Amnesty International's Concerns

There are more than 1,185 political prisoners in Myanmar. These include prisoners of conscience imprisoned for peaceful assembly or expression of their beliefs or engagement in peaceful political activities. Many have been subjected to torture or ill-treatment, have been held incommunicado without access to lawyers, and have been sentenced through the use of repressive legislation in unfair trials. By the end of 2006, most senior opposition figures were imprisoned or detained.

Prison conditions in Myanmar are extremely poor. Many prisoners of conscience have been in poor health, and have faced torture and other forms of ill-treatment. Access to medical treatment is inadequate.

In Myanmar, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are restricted, as is access to the internet. Members of opposition parties, students unions and other organizations have been harassed, threatened and attacked, and many are currently in prison.

Amnesty’s Involvement

Amnesty International has appealed on behalf of all prisoners of conscience in Myanmar, including U Win Tin. AI Canada has written news releases, and members have participated in urgent appeals on this case. Continued pressure for his release is needed.

Case Updates

22/09/08
U Win Tin, Myanmar's longest-serving prisoner of conscience, was released from prison on Sept 22nd, 2008.