Contact: Katie Moy Mostris, [email protected]
APALA Decries Myanmar’s Unjust Execution of Pro-Democracy Activists
APALA decries Myanmar’s Military for their recent unjust execution of four pro-democracy activists. These executions are the first reported judicial executions by the junta in decades. APALA represents AAPI workers across the U.S., including Burmese workers, and has previously condemned the military’s use of force to undermine democracy, advocated for the BURMA Act in Congress, and appealed for the urgent assistance of the U.S. Department of State regarding the safety and security of a high-profile Burmese union leader who has fled the country with his young family.
Myanmar has executed four activists, including two pro-democracy leaders allegedly charged under counter-terrorism laws. Their names were Phyo Zeya Thaw, Ko Jimmy, Hla Myo Aung, and Aung Thura Zaw. Little information is public or has been provided to the family as trials for all four were conducted behind closed doors, and the government had refused to share when or how the activists were executed. These executions come after the country’s military violently seized power early last year (2021).
APALA Texas Chapter Leader and SIU Appointee Shwe Aung states, “The junta is attempting to intimidate and instill fear in the people of Burma. With 76 other political prisoners currently detained and many movement leaders fleeing for their lives in exile like my brother, these executions are a disturbing and heinous warning to all in Burma. We will continue to stand with activists to fight for democracy and self-determination while urging the U.S. government and other allies of democracy to take action. Now Burmese people are determined to end the military regime and urge you all to help by supporting the movement.”
Follow US Campaign for Burma for more updates on Facebook (@uscampaignforburma), Instagram (us.campaign.for.burma), and Twitter (USCB).