NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar – On her first visit to Myanmar since being appointed last year, the UN Special Envoy for Myanmar has called for an end to violence and the release of all political prisoners
On Wednesday, UN Envoy Noeleen Heyzer met with coup leader Min Aung Hlaing, and her office said she “directly urged” him to “impose a moratorium on all future executions.” She also demanded an end to the violence and the release of all political prisoners, including former Aung San Suu Kyi adviser and Australian economist Sean Turnell.
The military took control of the country in February 2021, just hours before the country’s new parliament was to convene, detaining elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and members of her civilian government.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, AAPP, which has been tracking the violence, 2,215 people have been killed in the military’s crackdown on its opponents.
The military regime executed four political activists late last month, marking Myanmar’s first use of the death penalty in more than 30 years.
Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, described the meeting between Heyzer and the army chief as “a good discussion,” adding that the UN will monitor whether her key demands are met. He said the UN will “continue to press on those points.”
