Myanmar military Junta executes four pro democracy workers

Naypyidaw, Jul 25: The military junta of Myanmar today reported the execution of four men in the country's first death sentences carried out in over three decades.

 

 

 

 

According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the men put to death were Phyo Zeya Thaw, 41; Kyaw Min Yu, known as "Ko Jimmy," 53; Hla Myo Aung; and Aung Thura Zaw, all of whom were convicted after closed trials that fell far short of international standards. A military tribunal sentenced Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zeya Thaw to death on Jan 21 under Myanmar's overbroad Counterterrorism Law of 2014, the group said. Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw were convicted in April 2021 for allegedly killing a military informant.

 

 

 

 

 

New York-based human rights group has condemned the Myanmar military regime's execution of pro-democracy leaders and elected officials. The Human Rights Watch opposed capital punishment in all countries and under all circumstances because of its inherent cruelty and finality, and has long called on Myanmar to end all use of the death penalty.

 

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the volatile situation in Myanmar following the February 01, 2021 coup has increased armed conflict and subsequent population displacement within and across borders.