Ban voices deep concern at ‘severe’ prison terms for Myanmar demonstrators

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed his deep concern at reports this week that authorities in Myanmar have issued lengthy jail terms to some participants in last year’s peaceful demonstrations in the Asian country.

Media reports say some pro-democracy advocates have been jailed for 65 years, and in a statement issued by his spokesperson Mr. Ban referred to “severe prison terms” imposed in Myanmar recently.

“He calls once again for all political prisoners to be released and for all citizens of Myanmar to be allowed to freely participate in their country’s political future as part of an inclusive national reconciliation process,” the statement noted.