• Urgent Action

Urgent Action Update: Satire Performers Sentenced to Further Prison Time (Myanmar: UA 147.19)

February 20, 2020

Three members of the Peacock Generation, a satirical performance group in Myanmar, have been sentenced to six additional months in prison for “online defamation” after sharing their performances critical of the military online. Six members of the group are now serving prison sentences of between two and three years in connection with their peaceful activities; at least three are facing further charges before different courts. All six are prisoners of conscience who should be immediately and unconditionally released.

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President U Win Myint President’s Office, Office No. 18 Nay Pyi Taw Republic of the Union of Myanmar Fax: +95 1 652 624
Ambassador U Aung Lynn Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar 2300 S St. NW, Washington DC 20008 Phone: 202 332 3344 | 4350 Fax: 202 332 4351 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Contact form: https://goo.gl/5eMa54 Salutation: Dear Ambassador

Dear President U Win Myint, I am writing to express my grave concern about the continuing criminal prosecution of members of the Peacock Generation, who have been targeted for their satirical Thangyat performances. Six young performers are imprisoned for nothing other than peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression. They are prisoners of conscience, and I urge you to ensure their immediate and unconditional release. I am disappointed to learn that three members of the group were convicted on 17 February 2020 of “online defamation” under Section 66(d) of the 2013 Telecommunications Act and each sentenced to six months in prison. These convictions are the latest in a series of jail terms handed down to members of the group for their peaceful performances, some of which were shared on social media. It is highly concerning that six members are now serving between two and three years’ imprisonment, and that some of them face further politically-motivated charges for their peaceful Thangyat performances. I am also deeply concerned that peaceful activists and human rights defenders in Myanmar continue to be targeted by a range of repressive laws, including of Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Act and Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, which arbitrarily restrict the right to freedom of expression. I call on you to immediately and unconditionally release all jailed members of the Peacock Generation and quash their convictions; drop further charges against them and all others who are facing imprisonment solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression;  and repeal or amend laws that arbitrarily restrict the right to freedom of expression, including Section 505(a) of the Penal Code and 66(d) of the 2013 Telecommunications Act, to bring them in line with international human rights law and standards. Yours sincerely, ADDITIONAL RESOURCES