press release issued by the
National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar
on September 24, 2024.
The National Unity Government expresses horror at reports that the illegal military junta has resumed its execution of pro-democracy activists, and that other arbitrarily detained activists in Insein Prison are at imminent risk of execution.
These executions would constitute a resumed junta campaign of terror through closed-door proceedings that are an outrage to due process protections and access to justice.
On 23 July 2022, the junta executed Phyo Zeya Thaw, Ko Jimmy, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw. At the time, these men were the first persons to be hanged by the military under the façade of legal process in over three decades.
These deaths must be called out for what they actually are – murders in prison.
As the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) makes clear, the imposition of death sentences where proceedings fail to meet the basic requirements of a fair trial can constitute one or more crimes against humanity or war crimes.
The National Unity Government calls on ASEAN Members, diplomatic missions and the UN in Myanmar to demand that the junta stop all executions and release all arbitrarily detained persons immediately.
We also call on the UN Security Council to urgently convene an open meeting on Myanmar, with the full participation of Myanmar’s Permanent Representative. The Council must redouble its efforts to adopt a resolution on Myanmar in follow-up to UNSCR 2669 (2022). This new text must block the flow of arms, munitions and jet fuel to the junta, support an ICC referral, unequivocally condemn the junta’s failure to comply with UNSCR 2669, and formally place Myanmar on the Council’s agenda through regular reporting.
Ministry of Human Rights
National Unity Government
