Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of the arrest of human rights defender U Myint Aye, Director and Co-founder of the human rights organisation Human Rights Defenders and Promoters (HRDP), former Chairman of the National League for Democracy's Kyimindine branch, and a campaigner for democracy and the rule of law in Burma, on 8 August 2008.

Further Information

Posted 12/08/2008 On 8 August 2008, the anniversary of the '8888 uprising', at approximately 4.00 pm, the Chief of Police of Kyi Myint Taing township, together with the divisional investigation police deputy chief and a team of police and administration officers, came to the house of U Myint Aye and carried out a search. During the search, which lasted for over two hours, the police officials removed a number of items and documents. When they were finished searching the home they told U Myint Aye that he was to go with them. He has not returned to the house since that date and his whereabouts remain unknown.

On 9 August 2008, a team of police officers came to U Myint Aye's home and asked for some of his clothes, indicating to his family that he will remain in detention for some time.

Front Line believes that U Myint Aye has been targeted as a result of his human rights activities, in particular his work to uphold democracy and the rule of law in Burma and the cyclone relief work that he and the members of the HRDP were carrying out following Cyclone Nargis in May 2008. U Myint Aye has been arrested at least six times since 1988 on account of his human rights activities and participation in pro-democracy demonstrations. Front Line is concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of U Myint Aye, as well as all members of the HRDP.