PIPELINE MOTIVE IN ARREST OF BURMES

[myetsee@xxxxxxxxx]

Monday, February 2 1997

PIPELINE MOTIVE IN ARREST OF BURMESE STUDENTS,
"RELEASED" STUDENTS STILL IN JAIL

Bangkok: The nine Burmese students arrested at Ramkamhaeng University
on January 22 were targeted because they were suspected of attending a
meeting with Thai activists concerning the gas pipeline project. The
arrests were made, apparently at the instigation of Thai intelligence.
It is not known if this operation was carried out in cooperation with
PTT, UNOCAL, or the Burmese military regime.

Two of the students considered by officials to be "released" because
they had safe area passes and were therefore legally in Bangkok, have
now been charged as "illegal" and are being detained at Hua Mark
police station.  Six other colleagues, who were fined 6,000 baht each
and sentenced to 3 months jail in Pratum Thani prison, are still being
held at the same police lock-up.

Activists are deeply  concerned for the well-being of Nyein Moe and
his wife Khin Khin (NI No. 9474) as he has been prominent in several
protests held in Bangkok against Burma?s military junta.

The students holding safe area passes for Jan. 20 -25 were detained on
purpose by  police until their passes expired. They were then brought
before court on January 30 to be charged as illegals.

Information on those arrested:

1. Aung Gyi, (NI Number 1371) former ONSOB chair. Is a person of
concern with UNHCR. Still detained at Hua Mark police station lock-up,
pending transfer to Pratum Thani prison. Sentenced to fine Baht 6,000
and 3 months jail.
 
2. Naing Oo, (NI Number 2285) Still detained at Hua Mark police
station. Had pass from safe area transit camp but detained by police
until pass expired.
 
3. Khin Khin (F, a.k.a. Khay Mar Soe, NI Number 9474) case for
protection under consideration by UNHCR. Still detained at Hua Mark
police station lock-up, pending transfer to Pratum Thani prison.
Sentenced to fine Baht 6,000 and 3 months jail.
 
4. Nyein Moe, (husband of Khin Khin, NI Number 9474)  case for
protection under consideration by UNHCR. Still detained at Hua Mark
police station lock-up, pending transfer to Pratum Thani prison.
Possibly targeted by Thai intelligence for previous pro-democracy
protests. Sentenced to fine Baht 6,000 and 3 months jail.
 
5. Ko Thet (NI Number 9422), chairman ABBESU. Still detained at Hua
Mark police station lock-up, pending transfer to Pratum Thani prison.
Sentenced to fine Baht 6,000 and 3 months jail.
 
6. U Myan (a.k.a. U Hnyar)  ONSOB member. Detained at Hua Mark police
station lock-up, pending transfer to Pratum Thani prison. Sentenced to
fine Baht 6,000 and 3 months jail. May be holding work permit.
 
7. Than Zin Htun (NI5522). Detained at Hua Mark police station
lock-up, pending transfer to Pratum Thani prison
 
8. Aye Chein, has work permit - detained at IDC, bailed out by employer
 
9. Kyi Oo (NI Number 2346) Had pass from safe area transit camp but
detained by police until pass expired.

Please protest at the human rights violations by security forces
acting for business interests.

Please petition your closest Thai diplomatic mission NOW to protest
this outrage. 

Please send your message via e-mail to: <govspkmn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Send urgent faxes to:
His Excellency Chuan Leekpai
Prime Minister of Thailand 
Fax +662-2801443
Fax +662-2812536
Fax +662-2825131





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