For Immediate Release: 28 September 2006

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) strongly denounces the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) after arresting prominent democracy and freedom campaigners in Burma.

Early yesterday morning, the Special Police Force in Burma arrested Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Ko Htay Kywe, leading them away from their homes in Rangoon shortly after dawn. They were brought to the Ministry of Home Affairs where they continue to be held.

All three activists, leaders of the '88 Generation Students Group,' are in need of regular medical attention as they have each spent 15 years in the SPDC's notorious prisons. All three had been earnestly striving to gain democracy, human rights and national reconciliation through non-violent means.

"This action has proved that the junta in Burma breaks the rule of law, although they declare that no one is above the law" Tate Naing, General Secretary of the AAPP noted. "It is time for everyone to respect the rule of law and the freedom of individuals to express their beliefs."

"The political activism of democracy and human rights loving people should be allowed to happen freely in Burma," stated Bo Kyi, Joint Secretary of the AAPP, while attending the second session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

The AAPP demands Than Shwe and the SPDC stop all unlawful arrests, detentions, investigations and torture.

We also request that international governments, international jurist organizations and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, condemn the junta for arresting these activists.

For more information:
Tate Naing (66) 1- 2878-751
Bo Kyi 41-(0)76 222-5692