Burma: Arrest of human rights defender Zaw Thet Htwe for disaster-relief work

Dear Prime Minister,

I am deeply concerned following the arrest of human rights defender Zaw Thet Htwe on 13 June 2008. Zaw Thet Htwe is a journalist who has criticised corruption and attempted to provide disaster relief to people in Burma in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.

Late at night on 13 June 2008, Zaw Thet Htwe was arrested by military police when visiting his seriously-ill mother in Minbu, Burma. His home in Rangoon was searched and his mobile phone, his computer, some CDs, and various documents were confiscated. Zaw Thet Htwe had been distributing food and clothes to people in areas hit by Cyclone Nargis. On 4 June, comedian and blogger Zarganar had also been arrested for channeling relief to victims of the cyclone.

Zaw Thet Htwe has previously been arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned for his work. On 28 November 2003 he was sentenced to death for high treason, conspiracy against the government, and attempting to kill members of the military junta after reporting on corruption amongst sporting officials in Burma. During his interrogation he was allegedly tortured by the military secret service. The sentence was later reduced to three years' imprisonment.

I believe that Zaw Thet Htwe has been targeted as a result of his legitimate work in the defence of human rights, in particular his work in distributing aid to victims of Cyclone Nargis. I see this as part of an ongoing trend of harassment against human rights defenders in Burma. I am concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of Zaw Thet Htwe.

I urge the authorities in Burma to:

1.Immediately and unconditionally release Zaw Thet Htwe, as Front Line believes that he is being held solely as a result of his legitimate and peaceful work in the defence of human rights;

2.Carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the arrest and detention of Zaw Thet Htwe;

3.Ensure that the treatment of Zaw Thet Htwe, while in detention, adheres to all those conditions set out in the ‘Basic Principles for Treatment of Prisoners, adopted by General Assembly resolution 45/111 of 14 December 1990’;

4.Take all necessary measures to guarantee the physical and psychological security and integrity of Zaw Thet Htwe;

5.Guarantee in all circumstances that human rights defenders in Burma are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals, and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment.

Yours sincerely