Jaloon Htaw – Relatives of Mon political prisoners hope their loved ones will be released today following the government’s announcement of an amnesty for 6,359 prisoners across Burma.
Nai Yekha, Nai Myo Thwe (aka Nai Cheam Gakao), 88 Generation member Ko Min Zayar, and Ashin Uk Kong Sah, who was arrested for opposing the 2010 elections, hope to be among the 6,359 soon to be released.
“Ashin Uk Kong Sah (Ashin Zaw Lat) absolutely has to be released because he was arrested just for protesting peacefully, so we hope he will be released,” said his cousin.
However, as both Nai Yekha and Nai Cheam Gakao were arrested with equipment for explosives, they have less hope to be included in the new government’s amnesty, said Nai Hongsa Bonkhing, the Officer of Foreign Affairs for the New Mon State Party.
“Truly, we hope even if they aren’t released, they could have their sentences reduced. We have to wait to know if the new government has goodwill or not. If the new government is just boastful, the amnesty may not result in much,” he said.
Nai Yekha and Nai Myo Thwe were arrested on 17 July 2003 following what many believe to be trumped-up charges from the authorities. On 28 November 2003, both were given death sentences, which were reduced to life sentences following appeals.
Ashin Uk Kong Sah was sentenced to 15 years in prison with 10 years for violation of the electronics act 33 Ka/ 38, 4 years for the illegal publishing of articles law 17/20, and 1 year for inciting instability in the nation, article 505 Kha.
This amnesty is the second time the new government is releasing a large number of prisoners. The first time was 17 May when over 14,600 prisoners were released and 348 prisoners with the death sentence had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
However, Burma (Myanmar) has over 2,200 political prisoners, according to Amnesty International, a human rights organization based in London.
