Myanmar frees Rohingya Muslim doctor in latest easing on political prisoners
The case against Tun Aung, sentenced to 17 years in prison following what was considered an unfair trial, received widespread international attention.
Rights groups today welcomed the release of a prominent Rohingya Muslim doctor who was arrested while trying to calm rioters during sectarian violence in western Myanmar, but noted that scores of political prisoners remain behind bars.
The case against Tun Aung, sentenced to 17 years in prison following what was considered an unfair trial, received widespread international attention.
He was accused of inciting violence between Rohingya Muslims and Rakhine Buddhists in June 2012, though rights groups and witnesses said the medical doctor and respected community leader was asked by authorities to try to intervene but was unable to stop the violence.
Bo Kyi, co-founder of the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP), said Aung was released Monday.
Myanmar has freed more than 1,000 political prisoners since former military rulers handed over power four years ago, a move that has smoothed the former pariah state’s international rehabilitation.
But jails continue to be filled up with hundreds of peaceful protesters, journalists and farmers who stood up against land grabs by the rich and powerful.
“Everyone incarcerated for their beliefs should be freed unconditionally and immediately,” said Aung Myo Min, executive director of Equality Myanmar, adding the government “releases a few political prisoners, and then arrests a few more.”