Senator Ngo condemns the coup and arrest of democratically elected leaders in Myanmar
[For immediate release]- February 22, 2021
Today, Senator Thanh Hai Ngo issued the following Statement in response to the military takeover of Myanmar on February 1st, 2021 and the ongoing violent oppressions that are ensuing:
The coup d’état that took place in Myanmar was instigated under the false pretense of having to step in due to allegations of election fraud that were not properly investigated during the November 2020 elections.
The military ouster and detention of civil society activists, as well as democratically elected political leaders, including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint has reversed nearly a decade of progress in its transition towards democracy. Reports of a crackdown by the military on media, the flow of information and internet blackouts are also deeply disturbing.
I categorically condemn this illegal and hostile takeover by Myanmar’s army, which is an affront to freedom, democracy and the rule of law. I add my voice to the G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement of February 3rd, which expresses deep concerns at the rapidly eroding human rights situation, and calls for the military to conform to the rules-based international order by immediately ending the state of emergency, reinstating the democratically-elected government, and releasing all those unjustly detained.
I commend the government of Canada, for working alongside our ally, the United Kingdom, in imposing sanctions on nine Myanmarese military officials.
The free people of Myanmar, now muzzled by an illegitimate military regime, had democratically exercised their right to self-determination by electing a legitimate government. In the interests of democracy and human rights everywhere, we must continue to work with our allies to support the legitimate government’s swift reinstatement.
For more information, please contact:
Office of the Honourable Thanh Hai Ngo
613-943-1599
@SenatorNgo
Additional information:
CTV News: Myanmar coup leader: ‘Join hands’ with army for democracy
CTV News: Myanmar’s Suu Kyi faces new charge as crackdown intensifies
Government of Canada: Canada-Myanmar Relations
Government of Canada: Canadian Sanctions Related to Myanmar
CBC.ca: Canada, Britain slap sanctions on Myanmar officials for abuses in military coup