Date: April 28, 2004

A special court created at Mandalay Prison sentenced 11 members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) to long term imprisonments on April 9, 2004.
The summarily tried and imprisoned NLD members were among those arrested by the military junta after the premeditated attack on the NLD entourage led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi last May during the party's campaign trip. The junta closed down all the NLD party offices after the Depayin killing that left a death-toll at about 70 and arrested many party followers nationwide, including all Central Executive Members.
A small number of the detained were released months later, but many democracy activists, including the Vice Chairperson of the NLD U Tin Oo and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the General Secretary, still remain under detention.
The sentences come near the anniversary of the May 30 killing. Tate Naing, Secretary of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) said, " These persons were charged under Article 5 (j) of the Emergency Provision Act and Article 17 (1) of Unlawful Organization Act at the so-called 'Special Court' created at prison and were summarily tried. It was completely unfair trial lacking any legal rebuttal for the defendants; thus we cannot accept this trial as a rightful one. The victims have suffered unfair judgment."

Media Contact-

Tate Naing 66 (0)1 287 8751
Bo Kyi 66 (0)1 324 8935

Appendix
List of long term imprisoned persons

Name Address Sentence
1. U Hla Soe Mandalay 17 Yrs.
2. U Myint Oo Mandalay 7 Yrs.
3. Daw Hnin Pa Pa Mandalay 7 Yrs.
4. Ko Aung Naing Thu Mandalay 12 Yrs.
5. Ko Aung Aung Mandalay 7 Yrs.
6. U Win Kyi Leway 22 Yrs.
7. Ko Htay Lwin Oo Mandalay 7 Yrs.
8. U Than Win Rangoon 12 Yrs.
9. Ko Ye Tun Min Rangoon 12 Yrs.
10. U Tin Oo Rangoon 12 Yrs.
11. Ko Zaw Min Naing Rangoon 12 Yrs.