Statement on the verdict against President Win Myin and State Councellor Aung San Suu Kyi

News story |Date: 06/12/2021| Ministry of Foreign Affairs

"Norway strongly condemns today's verdicts against President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. We are deeply concerned about the way the military regime seems to use the judicial system to silence its political opponents and how this will affect the already worrying situation in Myanmar," said Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.

Last year's election gave a strong mandate to the National League for Democracy (NLD) and reflects the will of the majority to continue on the path of democratic reform.

"The verdict today seems to be an attempt at excluding the leadership of the NLD from the political landscape. This conflicts with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus where the military leadership has agreed to engage in constructive dialogue with all parties. Norway, as many other countries, supports the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. I reiterate the call for release of President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, other democratically elected politicians, as well as journalists, human rights defenders and all others arbitrarily detained since 1 February. We reiterate our call on the military leadership to uphold democratic institutions and processes, refrain from violence and fully respect human rights, and rule of law. We also reiterate our call on the military leadership to engage in inclusive dialogue and allow a return to democratic transition;" said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.