The head of the UN Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), Nicholas Koumjian, has warned that if Myanmar's military junta continues to impose death sentences without public trials, it could amount to serious international crimes.
The IIMM is closely monitoring reports that the junta plans to execute individuals without conducting public trials. The mechanism has gathered evidence indicating that, in 2023, closed-door hearings were held at Insein Prison in Yangon, where several individuals were sentenced to death and are now facing execution. Koumjian stressed that imposing the death penalty or prolonged detention without fair trials and due process could constitute crimes against humanity or war crimes.
Koumjian emphasized that a basic requirement for a fair trial is for it to be conducted publicly unless there is a compelling national security reason. He added that secret trials raise serious doubts about whether fundamental guarantees of impartial and independent judiciary processes were upheld. Imposing a prison or death sentence in such circumstances could constitute crimes against humanity or war crimes, stated Koumjian.
The IIMM has reported that it is monitoring the situations of individuals sentenced to death without fair trial procedures and the cases against them.
In July 2022, the junta executed four pro-democracy activists at Insein Prison: 88 Generation student leader Ko Jimmy (aka Ko Kyaw Min Yu), a student leader of 88 Generation, NLD MP Phyo Zeya Thaw, Ko Hla Myo Aung, and Ko Aung Thura Zaw.
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