Burma: Human rights defenders Mr Hla Myo Naung and MsTharaphee of 88 Generation Student Group arrested

Dear Lt. Gen.

I am deeply concerned following reports of the arrest and detention of human rights defenders and members of the '88 Generation Student Group, Mr Hla Myo Naung and Ms Tharaphee, on 10 October 2007, in Rangoon. Hla Myo Naung is a former political prisoner and the main spokesperson of the '88 Generation Student Group which led the pro-democracy uprising of that year.

On 10 October 2007, at approximately 12.00 noon, Hla Myo Naung was arrested by military officers along with Tharaphee, a colleague from the ‘88 Generation Student Group, whilst attending a medical clinic in Rangoon. According to reports, Hla Myo Naung suffers from a serious eye problem and requires urgent medical attention. Hla Myo Naung has allegedly been on the list of persons sought by the authorities since the arrest of other members of the group on 21 August 2007. Photographs of a number of members of the '88 Generation Student Group, including Hla Myo Naung, were reportedly pasted around townships in Rangoon and it was alleged that township authorities had ordered police to search for, and arrest, those persons.

I am concerned that the arrest and detention of Hla Myo Naung and Tharaphee is directly related to their work in defence of human rights in Burma and forms part of an ongoing campaign against human rights defenders in the country. i am further concerned that Hla Myo Naung and Tharaphee may be at risk of torture and ill-treatment whilst in detention.

I urge the authorities in Burma to:

1. Immediately and unconditionally release Hla Myo Naung and Tharaphee as it is believed they have been detained solely on account of their peaceful and legitimate work in defence of human rights;

2. Ensure that Hla Myo Naung and Tharaphee are given regular access to family, lawyers, and medical attention if necessary;

3. Ensure, furthermore, that the treatment of Hla Myo Naung and Tharaphee, while in custody,adheres to all those conditions set out in the ‘Basic Principles for Treatment of Prisoners, adopted by General Assembly resolution 45/111 of 14 December 1990;

4. Take measures to ensure that all human rights defenders in Burma, carrying out their legitimate work in human rights, are able to operate without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions and harassment.

Yours sincerely