Over the past few days, the Myanmar military regime, also called as the ‘Tatmadaw’, has executed prominent democratic activists on unfounded charges. Those killed are Mr. Kyaw Min Yu, Mr. Phyo Zeya Thaw, Mr. Hla Myo Aung, Mr. Aung Thura Zaw. They were detained and tried in military courts and they had no access to independent council. There are indications that more activists currently under arrest will follow the same fate.
The International Union of Socialist Youth strongly condemns the deliberate killing of Myanmar civilians who were promoting the cause of democracy. The acts by the Myanmar junta are a blatant disregard of fundamental human rights enshrined in international law. They are also reflective of the ever-persistent presence of authoritarian rule in the region and in the world. We stand in solidarity with our Myanmar brothers and sisters and reiterate the importance of free speech and the freedom of assembly as bedrocks of democracy. The military generals seized the reigns of government in 2021 through a violent coup and has been consolidating their power through violence.
IUSY calls to immediately end the violence and for the release of all civilians arrested on grounds of political dissent. IUSY calls on the United Nations to act decisively and continue crucial investigations that uncover the roots of these crimes. In line with this is an affirmation of the media and truthful journalism as important institutions. It was through the work of brave and responsible journalists that we have known of these executions and other atrocities of the Myanmar army. IUSY also roundly condemns all nations and multinational corporations that engage in business with the Myanmar regime, despite knowledge of their crimes. Nations who supply the regime with weapons, oil, energy, or funding also bear responsibility for the crimes of the Myanmar army. Finally, IUSY calls for the ASEAN community to take concerted action to hold the Myanmar regime accountable.
Authoritarian regimes – from Putin in Russia, Modi in India, Bolosonaro in Brazil, Orban in Hungary, and Min Aung Hlaing chief leader of the Myanmar junta – must inevitably be held accountable and confront the truth of their crimes.
