PEN Myanmar member facing potential death sentence

Scottish PEN joins PEN International in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Wai Moe Naing, and for all charges against him to be dropped.

PEN International is gravely concerned by the Myanmar military junta’s decision to bring writer, activist and PEN Myanmar member, Wai Moe Naing, to trial on a charge of high treason. Already serving 10-year prison sentence, he now faces the death penalty if convicted. His next trial date is due to take place on 29 September 2022. He is unable to defend himself according to international fair trial norms. PEN International calls for his immediate and unconditional release, and for all charges against him to be dropped. 

TAKE ACTION: Please send appeals: 

• Urging for Wai Moe Naing’s case to be immediately raised as an issue of grave concern through bilateral communication with representatives of the military junta; 
• Calling for Wai Moe Naing’s case to be immediately raised at international fora, including at the United Nations and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); and 
• Requesting that your government’s diplomatic representatives publicly call for the release of all those arbitrarily detained for their peaceful expression in Myanmar. 

Appeals can be sent to: 

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly MP, via fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk

TAKE ACTION: Please also send appeals directly to the military junta: 

• Calling for Wai Moe Naing’s immediate and unconditional release; 
• Urging for the dropping of all charges made against him under the Myanmar Penal Code and other legislation; 
• Providing Wai Moe Naing with immediate and unimpeded access to independent legal representation and his family; and 
• Calling for an end to the crackdown on all those engaged in peaceful expression in Myanmar. 

Appeals directed to the military junta can be sent to: 

Dr Thida Oo, 

Role: Attorney General of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Republic of the Union of Myanmar 

Address: Building 25, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar 

Telephone: +95 067 404054 

Fax: + 95 67 404106 

Email: ago.h.o@mptmail.net.mm 

** Please send appeals immediately. Check with PEN International if sending appeals after 30 October 2022 **