Over a year after the violent crackdown on protesters in Burma (Myanmar), some arrested have been sentenced to long prison terms.

In November 2008 activists Htay Kywe and Mie Mie received sentences of 65 years each for their role in organising the protests.

Both face further charges and may receive additional sentences. Their colleague Za Htet Ko Ko has been sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment.

All three are members of the 88 Generation Students group which helped organise a protest against state-imposed fuel price increases in August 2007.

The three went into hiding as the authorities launched a search for those to be leading protests, but they were arrested in Yangon, on 13 October 2007.

The charges included unlawful association, distributing written material without the authorisation of the official censor, criticism of the government, and charges under the Electronics Act, which regulates electronic communications.

APPEAL: Please write calling for an immediate release of Htay Kywe, Mie Mie and Zaw Htet Ko Ko to His Excellency U Nay Win, Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, 19A Charles Street, Berkeley Square, London, W1J 5DX, Fax: (020) 7409 7043.