AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

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AAAS Human Rights Action Network

FACTS OF THE CASE:

Dr. Ma Thida, an imprisoned Burmese surgeon and former aide to pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, continues to be in poor health due to untreated gynecological problems, which have reportedly been diagnosed as ovarian cysts or endometriosis. She is reported to be very weak and has been unable to eat. Dr. Ma Thida reportedly also suffers from tuberculosis and may need to undergo surgery while she remains in detention.

Dr. Ma Thida was arrested in 1993 and sentenced to 20 years in prison for the peaceful expression of her beliefs and her association with Aung San Suu Kyi, founder of the opposition group, the National League for Democracy (NLD). She was among the many health professionals who treated those injured during pro- democracy demonstrations in 1988. Ma Thida is a prisoner of conscience. She has been kept in solitary confinement at Insein Prison. According to Amnesty International, conditions in the prison often amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

In 1997, Dr. Ma Thida was honored by the Science and Human Rights Program of the AAAS at its Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington. She also received the Reebok Human Rights Award in 1996.

Dr. Ma Thida's arbitrary arrest, continued detention, and denial of medical care constitute serious violations of international human rights standards, including basic protections provided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These rights include: liberty and security of the person (Article 3); freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment (Article 5); freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention (Article 9); freedom of expression (Article 19); and freedom of association (Article 20).

(Sources of information on this case include Amnesty International, Physicians for Human Rights, Burma Information Group, as well as local sources.)

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Please send telexes, telegrams, faxes, or airmail letters:

• expressing concern about Dr. Ma Thida's deteriorating health; and
• calling for her immediate and unconditional release to enable her to obtain proper medical care.

APPEAL AND INQUIRY MESSAGES SHOULD BE SENT TO:

General Than Shwe
Chairman
State Law and Order Restoration Council
Yangon
Myanmar
Salutation: Dear Chairman

Vice Admiral Thank Nyunt
Minister of Health
Minister's Office
Yangon
Myanmar
Salutation: Dear Minister

His Excellency U Thaung
Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to the United S
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar
2300 S Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
fax: 202 332 9046
Salutation: Your Excellency

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