UNITED NATIONS

Press Release November 18, 2008

xxxxxxxxxx UN experts strongly condemn the severe xxxxxxxxxx

convictions and unfair trials in Myanmar

GENEVA -- Five United Nations experts* strongly condemned severe convictions

and the unfair trials of prisoners of conscience in Myanmar.

Following one year of arbitrary detention, dozens of individuals who had been
arrested in connection with peaceful demonstrations in Myanmar last year, are since
August 2008 being tried by courts.

The closed-door hearings are being held inside prisons by courts which lack
independence and impartiality. Three of the defence lawyers have been sentenced
to several months of imprisonment for contempt of court, after they transmitted their
clients' complaints of unfair trials. Since early November several other defence
lawyers have been barred from representing their clients.

Last week, a dozen detainees, including several women, were each given 65-year
prison sentences. More than twenty other detainees, including five monks, were
recently sentenced to up to 24 years imprisonment. Many other detainees still await
sentencing.

The UN experts strongly urge the Myanmar authorities to cease harassing and
arresting individuals for peacefully exercising their internationally recognized human
rights. They further demand that all detainees be retried in open hearings respecting
fair trial standards and the immediate release of their defence counsels.

The experts reiterate previous calls to initiate reforms for a transition to a multiparty
democratic and civil government, as envisaged by the new Constitution. In this
context, they strongly urge the authorities to immediately commence work on
ensuring those indispensable pre-conditions for free and fair general elections to be
held in 2010.

These include a comprehensive review of national legislation to ensure its

compliance with international human rights standards, the release of political
prisoners of conscience, and reform of the armed forces and the judicial system.

* The Special Rapporteurs Mr. Tomas Ojea Quintana (situation of human rights in
Myanmar), Mr. Leandro Despouy (independence of judges and lawyers), Mr. Frank
La Rue (freedom of opinion and expression), Ms. Margaret Sekaggya (situation of
human rights defenders) and Ms. Asma Jahangir (freedom of religion or belief).