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Write a letter to the authorities in Myanmar, urging them to release Zargana, who has been imprisoned in violation of his right to freedom of expression.
[Date]
Senior General Than Shwe
Chairman, State Peace and Development Council
c/o Ministry of Defense
Naypyitaw
Union of Myanmar
Your Excellency:
I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the imprisonment of comedian and poet Zargana.
I understand that Maung Thura, known as Zargana, was arrested on June 4, 2008, after leading a private effort to deliver aid to cyclone Nargis’ victims. On August 14, 2008, he appeared at a hearing at the Rangoon West District Court, where he was charged with seven offenses, including “defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion.” During the hearing, the prosecutor reportedly submitted photographs of Zargana, which the prosecution claimed demonstrated his disaffection with the state and government.
On November 21, 2008, Zargana was sentenced to 45 years in prison for violating the Electronics Act, which regulates electronic communications. On November 27, 2008, he was sentenced to a further 14 years in prison for offenses under four sections of the criminal code, bringing his total sentence to 59 years. The Rangoon Division Court commuted Zargana’s sentence by 24 years, leaving him to serve 35 years in jail.
I believe Zargana’s imprisonment and the charges against him violate Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression, and I therefore respectfully request his immediate and unconditional release.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Signature]
CC: His Excellency U Myint Lwin
Chargé d’Affaires
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar to the United States
2300 S St. NW
Washington, DC 20008
Fax: (202) 332-4351
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