Hoyer Calls for Release of Human Rights Activist, Maryland Resident Nyi Nyi Aung

February 10, 2010
Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after Maryland resident Nyi Nyi Aung was sentenced to three years in prison with hard labor in his native Burma.  Aung, an activist for human rights in Burma, was arrested at a Burmese airport in September when trying to visit his mother, a democracy activist also in prison:

"I am disappointed with the Burmese junta's decision today, and urge them to release Nyi Nyi Aung immediately.  Yesterday, the State Department said his conviction was unjust and the charges were politically motivated.  As the United States seeks a new approach to Burma, their treatment of Nyi Nyi Aung - a resident of my state of Maryland - seriously hinders that effort.  Reports of torture and denying him access to consular services through the U.S. Embassy is completely unacceptable.  I will continue to work with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman and the Obama Administration to secure the release of Nyi Nyi Aung."