No one has the right to imprison you unjustly Article 9, Universal Declaration of Human Rights

MYANMAR: Dr. Tun Aung

On 8 June 2012, police in the town of Maungdaw were expecting trouble. They know that two groups who follow different religions (Buddhist and Islam) do not get along. The police got ready to stop a riot when each group thought the other had killed some of their people. For extra support, they called in a well-respected doctor and asked him to help keep the situation peaceful. The doctors name is Tun Aung and he follows the Islamic religion. Rioting did start, and it was violent. People there say that Dr. Tun Aung tried hard to calm the crowd. He told them that the government planned to find out who was responsible for the killings. But the crowd was out of control and many were not prepared to listen. When some Buddhists shouted threats at him, he and his family felt nervous. An immigration official offered them a ride. Instead of taking them home, he drove them to immigration headquarters. Officials freed his family a few hours later but they kept Dr. Tun Aung captive. They were likely looking for someone to blame after the violence ended. Dr. Tun Aung is still captive today. His family worries about him in Sittwe Prison because prisoners there do not receive good food. They would like to take him food packages but the prison is so far from home that they cannot visit often.

Amnesty International thinks the government of Myanmar has jailed Dr. Tun Aung only because he is a leader in the Islamic community. He did nothing violent and should be free. Private

Please send a message to the president of Myanmar. Start with Your Excellency. Describe who you are and what concerns you about what has happened to Dr. Tun Aung. Insist on his release, since he has not done anything violent. Until he is free, you could also ask for proper care for his tumour and his transfer to a prison close to his family.

Here is a sample letter you could use: Your Excellency, My name is ___ and I live in ___. I would like you to free Dr. Tun Aung from prison because he used only peaceful ways to try and calm a riot in June 2012. While you arrange his release, please make sure he gets medical treatment for his tumour. Send your letter to President Thein Sein Nay Pyi Taw Republic of the Union of Myanmar Postage: $1.85

What else can I do? Send a greeting to Dr Tun Aungs family. They may be able to share it with him in the future. Mail it to Dr Tun Aungs family Amnesty International 3-1992 Yonge Street Toronto ON M4S 1Z7

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