Write a letter to the authorities in Myanmar, urging them to release Zaw Thet Htwe, 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 over the imprisonment of journalist and political advocate Zaw Thet Htwe.

I understand that Zaw Thet Htwe was arrested on June 13, 2008, after working with comedian and poet Zargana to deliver private support to victims of Cyclone Nargis, which struck on May 2, 2008. He had been visiting his sick mother in the town of Minbu, central Burma, and then was transferred to an interrogation center in Yangon. On November 21, 2008, Zaw Thet Htwe was sentenced to 15 years in prison under the Electronics Act, which which regulates electronic communications. One week later, his sentence was increased to 19 years.

I believe Zaw Thet Htwe’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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