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, is currently serving a twenty-year prison sentence. Although her health has improved slightly, Dr. Ma Thida continues to suffer from endometriosis and other ailments for which she is receiving inadequate medical treatment. She is currently being held in Insein Jail in her own cell where she meditates daily. She is able to provide some medical care to fellow prisoners during the daily exercise periods. Dr. Ma Thida is a prisoner of conscience.

Dr. Ma Thida was arrested in 1993 for the peaceful expression of her beliefs and her association with Aung San Suu Kyi. She was among the many health professionals who treated those injured during pro-democracy demonstrations in 1988. She is a prisoner of conscience.

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 adequate 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;
• calling for her immediate and unconditional release to enable her to obtain proper medical care; and
• requesting that she be permitted access to medical textbooks to enable her to resume her practice upon her release.

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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