| Press Statement Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC April 22, 2008 Burmese Regime Fails to Provide Proper Medical Care to Political PrisonersWe condemn the failure of Burma’s authorities to provide proper medical treatment to a number of prisoners, who may suffer irreparable damages due to the lack of prompt medical attention. We have received reports that pro-democracy activist and 88 Generation Students leader Min Ko Naing has not received care for an eye infection that, if left untreated, could cause loss of sight. In March, U Myint Thein, the National League for Democracy spokesperson, died in Singapore from cancer that was left untreated while he was imprisoned for his role in the September pro-democracy protests.
We are also concerned that Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi still has not received the monthly visits with her doctor as had been agreed with UN Special Envoy on Burma Ibrahim Gambari. We urge the regime to release all political prisoners immediately. The intentional withholding of necessary medical treatment for political reasons is a serious violation of human rights. While these individuals are in the custody of the regime, they should receive the medical care they require. 2008/306 |
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