Burma/Myanmar – France condemns the decision to execute those under sentence of death (04 Jun 2022)

France utterly condemns the decision announced yesterday by the military regime, which emerged from the coup d’état in Burma on 1 February 2021, to execute four people including the writer Kyaw Min Yu Ko, known as Ko Jimmy, and the former National League for Democracy MP Phyo Zayar Thaw. It is a despicable decision once again targeting the defenders of freedom. The violation of the de facto moratorium on the implementation of death sentences, which has existed in the country for over 30 years, is a major regression, with 113 death sentences arbitrarily handed down by military courts since the coup of 1 February 2021. It reiterates its steadfast opposition to the death penalty, everywhere and in all circumstances.

France renews its appeal for the release of all those being arbitrarily held because of the coup, for an end to the violence perpetrated by the military junta and for a process of dialogue to be put in place which includes all stakeholders. France’s support for the Burmese people remains unchanged, and it pays tribute to their courage in the face of the policy of terror the illegitimate military regime is implementing.