Eight pro-democracy activists sentenced to 37 years; Myanmar military escalates civilian killings

Members of the Myanmar diaspora in the Netherlands staged an “umbrella protest” to commemorate the 38th anniversary of Myanmar's Aug. 8, 1988 pro-democracy uprising, known as ‘88-88,’ on July 29. (Credit: CJ)

Eight pro-democracy activists sentenced to 37 years

The Yadanabon University Students’ Union (YUSU) stated on Tuesday that its former chairperson, Htet Myat Aung, and seven other pro-democracy activists were sentenced to 30 years under the Election Protection Law and seven years under the Counter-Terrorism Law by a regime court on Monday.

“Protesting a fraudulent election is an act of courage, not a crime, and no 37-year sentence from an illegitimate junta can silence the fundamental right to speak out,” said Thinzar Shunlei Yi, a pro-democracy activist and Advocacy Coordinator for the Action Committee for Democracy Development (ACDD). The YUSU statement on July 28 condemned their “unfair” prison sentences.