World condemns execution of pro-democracy activists by Myanmar's junta

ANKARA

The European and Asian nations, including the US and UK, on Tuesday strongly condemned the execution of four pro-democracy activists by Myanmar's ruling military junta.

In a joint statement, the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, the UK and the US called the execution an act against human rights and rule of law.

“The Myanmar military regime’s executions of pro-democracy and opposition leaders are reprehensible acts of violence that further exemplify the regime’s disregard for human rights and the rule of law,” said the statement.

The European and Asian nations also urged the military regime to release all those under detention and fulfill their obligations under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) five-point consensus to seek peace through dialogue, not further violence.

“We support the people of Myanmar in their aspirations for freedom and democracy and call on the regime to end the use of violence, respect the will of the people, and restore the country’s path toward democracy,” it said.

In a separate statement, New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta also strongly condemned the executions of four people, including pro-democracy activists and opposition leaders, in Myanmar.

“New Zealand has a strong and longstanding opposition to the death penalty in all cases and under all circumstances,” said Mahuta.

“This was a barbaric act by Myanmar’s military regime. New Zealand condemns these actions in the strongest possible terms.

“Our sympathies are with the families and loved ones of the victims," she added.

On Monday, the military junta in Myanmar announced the execution of four people, including top political activists.

The executions were carried out over the weekend, and the military regime denied bodies to their families, a local news website reported, adding that Kyaw Min Yu, better known as Jimmy, former lawmaker Phyo Zayar Thaw, Hla Myo Aung, and Aung Thura Zaw were arrested last year.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid