Press Release:
Parliamentary Friends of Burma (PFOB) / Parlementaires amis de la Birmanie (PAB)
Larry Bagnell, Chair
Press Release/Communiqué:
Chair of PFOB disappointed by court’s decision in Nay Myo Hein case
Français à suivre bientôt
For Immediate Release August 14, 2009
Media Contact: (867) 668-6565
Larry Bagnell, Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Burma (PFOB), shares his concerns after the verdict is handed down in the Nay Myo Hein deportation case today.
Nay Myo Hein, a former child soldier in Burma who fled the brutal military dictatorship, arrived in Nova Scotia by ship in 2007. Now living in Saskatoon, he has been fighting deportation ever since.
“It is extremely disappointing to hear that Nay Myo Hein was denied refugee status today. The courts have basically sentenced this man to death by sending him back to Burma” said Mr.Bagnell.
“Child soldiering is rampant in Burma,” he continued. “Young boys and girls are kidnapped and forced into the army using fear, abuse and drugs to keep them there. Nay Myo, like many others, was brave enough to escape this regime, and obviously won’t be welcomed back warmly. I believe that the authorities will be waiting for him at the airport, where he will be immediately brought to prison, and will suffer torture and possibly death.
Hein's claim was rejected previously because the judge didn't believe his story. Another official didn't believe he faced danger. This is the first known case of a Burmese refugee claimant deported from Canada
Mr.Bagnell continued, “I have been to the borders of Burma and met with many refugees. The fear is real and the threat is a reality”.
Parliamentary Friends of Burma consists of Members and Senators from all parties of the Canadian Parliament.
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