Despite the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in July 1995, there is concern at the recent deterioration of the human rights situation in Myanmar, including the SLORC’s harsh repression of any peaceful political opposition. The pace of political arrests has accelerated dramatically since September 1995 and some 1000 political prisoners remain behind bars. This report examines the recent crackdown on political opposition, including the mass arrest of over 300 National League for Democracy (NLD) activists in May 1996. Many have now been released but 26 continue to be detained. In addition to the mass arrests the SLORC issued Law No 5/96 on 7 June which provides for up to 20 years’ imprisonment for anyone who expresses their political views publicly. Amnesty International is calling for the repeal of this law, the release of all prisoners of conscience and fair trials for all political prisoners.
