In early 2015, student leader Phyoe Phyoe Aung helped to organize a march against a new law in Myanmar, which students said limited academic freedom.
As the protesters got closer to Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, they were blocked by police who beat them with batons.
Phyoe Phyoe Aung and more than 100 other student activists – many of them injured – were arrested and charged with a range of questionable criminal offences. Many have been locked up ever since. Some, including Phyoe Phyoe Aung, could face more than nine years in prison.
Across the country, young people and student leaders continue to be harassed by police and other authorities in what appears to be a systematic clampdown on the student movement.
Tell the government that student activism is not a crime.
Join the call for Myanmar to release Phyoe Phyoe Aung, and all the students and supporters jailed for protesting peacefully.
Dear Chairman of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission
I call on you to urge the President to immediately and unconditionally release Phyoe Phyoe Aung, detained peaceful student protesters and all other prisoners of conscience in Myanmar. Please also ensure they are protected from torture or other ill-treatment; have regular access to family members and lawyers of their choosing; and are provided with any medical treatment which they may require. I also ask you to ensure that prison conditions meet international standards.
Yours sincerely
[Your comments here]
Signed,
[Your name here]
