Myanmar Plans Secret Trials for Democracy Activists, U.S. Says

Feb. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Myanmar's regime is planning secret trials of U Gambira, a Buddhist monk who helped lead opposition protests last year, and 10 other pro-democracy activists, the Bush administration said today. The trials are an example of actions by the regime that are "unacceptable to all those who value freedom,'' White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said in a statement. She offered no details on where or when the trials would take place. What Perino described as Myanmar General Than Shwe's "defiance'' of international demands for democracy prompted President George W. Bush to expand financial sanctions today against Myanmar businesses and individuals accused of aiding military rule. Bush "has made clear that we will continue to take action against the military junta and those who prop it up so long as human rights violations continue and democracy is suppressed,'' Adam Szubin, head of the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement. The steps announced today target Htoo Group of Companies, "which carries out key projects'' for Myanmar's junta, such as the buying of military equipment and aircraft, Treasury said in a statement. Treasury lists Tay Za, identified as an arms dealer, as Htoo's leader. The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets held by the designated individuals and companies and bar all financial and commercial transactions with them in the U.S. The action widens penalties the U.S. has imposed to protest rights violations in the Asian nation.

The military of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, crushed the biggest opposition protests in almost 20 years in September. The United Nations says at least 31 people died in the clashes. Za allegedly used his connections with Aung Thet Mann, director of Htoo Group and son of a senior official in Myanmar's government, to win favorable contracts from the country's junta, Treasury said. Mann is also named as a target of today's sanctions. Neither Za nor a representative for him could be located immediately to respond to the U.S. penalties. Treasury said it has had no contact with anyone who represents Za. Designated companies include Myanmar Avia Export Company Ltd.; Ayer Shwe Wah Company Ltd. and Pavo Aircraft Leasing Pte. Ltd. in Singapore, Treasury said. Four spouses of senior Myanmar government officials also were named. Other actions that prompted the U.S. decision include Myanmar's continued defiance of a UN Security Council resolution calling on the regime to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and its refusal to allow UN Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari to return, the White House said today. Min Ko Niang and Ko Ko Kyi are among the activists for whom the regime is planning secret trials, according to the White House.
By Nadine Elsibai
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