Myanmarese Human Rights Activist at Risk of Torture - ASA 16/005/2009

Kyaw Zaw Lwin, a Myanmarese human rights activist was arrested on 3 September after flying to Yangon, Myanmar. He may be in police custody in Myanmar and is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment. Torture is common in pre-trial detention in Myanmar, where there are more than 2,200 political prisoners.

Read on here: ASA 16/005/2009

Please send appeals as soon as possible, and before 23 October, to:

Minister for Home Affairs
Maung Oo
Ministry of Home Affairs
Office No. 10
Naypyitaw,
Union of Myanmar
(Salutation: Dear Minister)
Fax: +95 67 412 439 (Read this note on sending faxes.)

Minister of Information
Brigadier-General Kyaw Hsan
Ministry of Information
Bldg. (7), Naypyitaw,
Union of Myanmar
(Salutation: Dear Minister)

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Nyan Win
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Naypyitaw,
Union of Myanmar
(Salutation: Dear Minister)

Please send copies to Myanmar's local diplomatic representative.

In Australia:
Embassy of Myanmar
22 Arkana Street, Australia.
Yarralumla
A.C.T 2600
Fax: (02) 6273 3181

My letter below.

Minister for Home Affairs
Maung Oo
Ministry of Home Affairs
Office No. 10
Naypyitaw, Union of Myanmar
Fax: +95 67 412 439

Ole Koksvik
Philosophy, RSSS
The Australian National University ACT 0200
AUSTRALIA 18/09/2009

RE: Arrest of Kyaw Zaw Lwin on the 3rd of September in Yangon

Dear Minister,

My name is Ole Koksvik. I am a Norwegian citizen, an Australian Permanent Resident, a PhD Candidate at the Australian National University.

I am writing to request that the Myanmarese authorities immediately and unconditionally release Kyaw Zaw Lwin (who also known as Nyi Nyi Aung) unless he is charged with a recognisable criminal offence.

I would also urge the authorities to guarantee that Kyaw Zaw Lwin is not tortured or ill-treated while he remains in custody and that he has access to his family, legal counsel, and proper medical care.

Finally, I would like to urge the authorities to provide information on his whereabouts, and the reasons and legal basis for his continued detention.

Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns.

Yours sincerely,

Ole Koksvik