US embassy cable - 05RANGOON1174

UNCLAS RANGOON 001174 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EAP/MLS; PACOM FOR FPA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, PREL, ELAB, BM, Human Rights 
SUBJECT: GOB GETS REVENGE FOR FORCED LABOR CONVICTIONS 
 
REF: RANGOON 178 AND PREVIOUS 
 
1. SUMMARY: Ma Su Su Nway, an NLD youth member who 
successfully sued local Burmese officials last January for 
subjecting local residents to forced labor, was herself 
counter-sued in the same court, and on October 13 was 
sentenced to 18 months in prison.  Her supporters, including 
renowned student leaders Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi, turned 
out in significant numbers for her sentencing, forcing the 
authorities to escort her to court under heavy security, lest 
any disturbances erupt.  The GOB appears to be turning the 
clock back on what had been considered gains in efforts to 
stamp out forced labor.  END SUMMARY. 
 
2.  On October 13, Kawhmu Township Court, Rangoon Division 
sentenced NLD member Ma Su Su Nway to 18 months in prison. 
Her legal counsel had expected only a 7-day sentence and a 
possible fine. 
 
3.  On January 31, in the same court, she had successfully 
sued local Kawhmu authorities, whom the court convicted and 
sentenced to 8-month jail terms for using local residents to 
do forced labor.  Another official, U Kyaw Lwin, though not 
named in her initial suit, counter-sued her on April 21, 
resulting in this conviction.  His suit came after Kyaw Lwin 
and another official loudly denounced Su Su Nway at a public 
bus station in her presence, following the convictions of 
local officials.  She defended herself and in the ensuing 
altercation, both sides hurled invectives and cursed each 
other.  Judge Htay Htay Win charged her under Section 294 for 
allegedly cursing at local officials in public, and Section 
506 for threatening a government official. 
 
4.  A surprisingly large crowd of 150-200 supporters from her 
village attended the court hearing and announcement of the 
verdict.  The courtroom was packed and many more spectators 
gathered outside.  Nine former student leaders, including 
past political prisoners Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi, turned 
up to show their support for Su Su Nway.  Worried about a 
possible outbreak of disturbances, the authorities escorted 
Su Su Nway under heavy security.  As she left the court Min 
Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, and the local NLD MP-elect escorted her 
to the waiting police vehicle while the crowd showered her 
with flowers.  Three policewomen and two policemen drove her 
away to Insein Prison. 
 
5.  COMMENT: Landmark forced labor convictions in this same 
court earlier this year gave hope that the GOB would finally 
take action against local authorities who abused citizens. 
Clearly the authorities have had second thoughts.  This 
verdict against a woman who dared to stand up to local 
authorities and successfully sued them in court effectively 
discourages others who had hoped to seek legal redress 
against abusive authorities.  END COMMENT. 
Villarosa