Myanmar Junta Sentences Seven Students To Death

Myanmar’s junta has handed down death sentences to seven Dagon University students in Yangon who took part in anti-regime protests. Dagon University Students’ Union has confirmed that Ko Khant Zin Win, Ko Thura Maung Maung, Ko Zaw Lin Naing, Ko Thiha Htet Zaw, Ko Hein Htet, Ko Thet Paing Oo and Ko Khant Linn Maung Maung were sentenced in closed trials by a military tribunal. The seven were arrested in April for alleged involvement in the shooting of Global Treasure Bank branch manager Saw Moe Win, a former military officer. Ko Nan Lin from the University Students’ Union Alumni Force condemned the sentences as unjust, reports The Irrawaddy. “We are deeply worried for our seven comrades,” he said, given that the junta hanged four pro-democracy activists, ignoring international appeals and public objections. It carried out the country’s first execution in nearly four decades in July by hanging veteran activist Ko Jimmy, Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, former National League for Democracy lawmaker Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw and activists Ko Hla Myo Aung and Ko Aung Thura Zaw. It has since handed down more death penalties.