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ABSDF: More NLD Officials Charged u



Media Release
October 5, 1998

More NLD Officials Charged under Emergency Act

Burmese military authorities have charged more officials and
Members of Parliament (MPs) from the National League for
Democracy, despite the military's claim that they had merely been
invited to attend discussions.

The NLD officials and MPs have been charged under the 1950
Emergency Provision Act.

Those charged include the following MPs from Tenasserim Division
in southern Burma- U Tin Myint from Thayet Chaung Constituency, U
Toe Po from Yephyu Constituency, U Kyaw Shein and U Nyan Aye from
Mergui Constituencies, U Hla Pe and U Chain Han from Longlon
Constituencies, U Khin Maung Oo from Kyunsu, U Win Oo from
Tenasserim, U Kyi Shwe from Pulaw and U Myo Aung from Tavoy. 

In response to the NLD's demand to the junta on June 23 to
convene Parliament within 60 days, the military junta imposed
travel restrictions on MPs under the 1961 Restriction and Bond
Act. Under this Act, the elected MPs are required to seek
permission from the authorities if they wish to travel outside
their towns. In addition, they are forced to report twice daily
to local authorities. 

Foreign Affairs Secretary for the All Burma Students' Democratic
Front, Aung Naing Oo, said that under the Restriction and Bond
Act offenders can be given only short prison terms.

"In contrast, those convicted under the 1950 Emergency Provision
Act can be put behind bars for a long period.  Clearly it serves
the purposes of the junta to imprison NLD officials and MPs for
as long as possible, to thwart the efforts of the NLD to convene
a People's Parliament."

The exact number of party officials and MPs who have been charged
under the 1950 Emergency Provision Act is not known. However, the
number of NLD officials arrested since May is now close to 1000. 
This figure, though, does not include students and political
activists from various other organisations. According to student
sources in Rangoon, the total number of arrests is nearing 2000.  

In Tenasserim Division alone, more than 50 NLD officials and MPs
have been arrested. Given the current political standoff, the
arrests are likely to continue following the formation by the NLD
of a 10-member Representative Committee in order to convene
parliament.

All Burma Students' Democratic Front

For more information please contact 01-253 9082, 01-654 4984