Australia responds to execution of four pro-democracy activists in Myanmar

Australia has reacted with shock to an “appalling” act that has claimed the lives of four people and sparked international condemnation.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned the ‘appalling’ execution of four pro-democracy activists in Myanmar. Picture: Johannes P. Christo/AFP

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia is “appalled” by the execution of four pro-democracy activists in Myanmar.

Myanmar’s ruling military announced on Monday it had executed four men in its first use of capital punishment in decades.

Australia is considering further sanctions against members of Myanmar’s military regime in response, Senator Wong said.

The executed men had been accused of aiding “terror acts” through helping a civilian resistance movement against the junta that was sparked during last year’s coup.

Democracy campaigner Kyaw Min Yu, widely known as Jimmy, and former politician and hip hop artist Phyo Zeya Thaw, who had close ties to Australia, were among the activists killed this week.

The two others executed were Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned the executions. Picture: Johannes P. Christo/AFP

Senator Wong released a statement on Tuesday, saying Australia strongly condemned the Myanmar military regime’s actions.

“Australia opposes the death penalty in all circumstances for all people,” she said.

“Australia is clear and consistent in our support of human rights around the world.”

She extended her condolences to the families and loved ones of those who had lost their lives since the coup began last year.

“We call on the regime in Myanmar to cease violence, release all those unjustly detained and fulfil its commitments under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Five-Point Consensus,” she said.

Kyaw Min Yu (centre), known as Jimmy, was executed this week. He is pictured here with his wife Ni Lar Thein. Picture: Soe Than WIN/AFP

The Myanmar military in February 2021 overthrew the civilian government, ousting leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior officials and sentencing them to prison.

The nine ASEAN leaders and Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in April 2021 agreed to a five-point plan to bring peace to the country, including an immediate end to violence.

Human rights advocates say the military regime has defied each of the five points.

In the wake of this week’s executions, Australia has also signed a joint statement on the execution of pro-democracy leaders in Myanmar, alongside the European Union, Canada, the UK and the United States.

The statement condemns the “reprehensible acts of violence” that “exemplify the regime’s disregard for human rights and the rule of law”. It also urges the release of any unjustly detained prisoners.

“We support the people of Myanmar in their aspirations for freedom and democracy and call on the regime to end the use of violence, respect the will of the people, and restore the country’s path toward democracy,” the statement says.