Irrawaddy-July 25
Condemnation and outrage at the Myanmar junta’s execution of four anti-coup activists has poured in from both home and abroad in the hours since the military regime announced that it had carried out the hangings of veteran democracy activist Ko Jimmy, former National league for Democracy lawmaker Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, Ko Aung Thura Zaw and Ko Hla Myo Aung. It was the first time in four decades that political dissidents have been executed in Myanmar. Despite international appeals for mercy and restraint, the junta went ahead with the executions. Tom Andrews, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar: “I’m outraged and devastated at the news of the junta’s execution of Myanmar patriots and champions of human rights and democracy. My heart goes out to their families, friends and loved ones and indeed all the people of Myanmar who are victims of the junta’s escalating atrocities. These individuals were tried, convicted, and sentenced by a military tribunal without the right of appeal and reportedly without legal counsel, in violation of international human rights law.” U Yee Mon, defense minister of the National Unity Government, “The revolution won’t be over until coup leader Min Aung Hlaing faces justice. There shouldn’t be an inch of ground for him to run to, as we will follow him to the end of the world.” United League of Arakan, a political wing of the Arakan Army. “We are deeply sad and angry at the news of the junta’s execution of the four detainees, as well as concerned for the country’s future and for the prospect of peace. This act has clearly destroyed all the efforts by the International community, neighboring countries and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states towards peace and reconciliation.” Read more at: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-regimes-execution-of-democracy-activists-condemned-at-home-and-abroad.html
