I arrived at work this morning to some tremendous news: the military junta in Myanmar last night released at least seven prisoners of conscience.

This includes U Win Tin, who had been imprisoned for 19 years and was one of the longest-serving political prisoners in the country.

While imprisoned U Win Tin was held in cells intended for military dogs and deprived of food, water, bedding and family visits. His release and that of the other prisoners of conscience is a huge win for all our supporters.

Just last night we were going to print with an action postcard appealing for the release of Dr. Daw May Win Myint and Dr. Than Nyein, two of the other prisoners freed with U Win Tin. It’s not often that we’ve had to make a speedy phone call to yell “stop that print run!”

But while we celebrate the release of U Win Tin and the other political prisoners, there is still a long way to go.

Over 2,000 political prisoners remain in jails in Myanmar, and there are tens of thousands more in other countries. By supporting us with a donation today, you can help us draw the world’s attention to the plight of these prisoners and strengthen our pressure on the regimes that are denying them their human rights.

Thanks so much for acting with Amnesty International to free prisoners of conscience around the world. Together we are having an impact.

Yours sincerely,

Claire Mallinson
National Director

Amnesty International Australia