Germany strongly condemns the executions by the military junta in Myanmar. Among those put to death were two prominent members of the democratic opposition – democracy activist Kyaw Min Yu (known as “Ko Jimmy”) and former member of parliament Phyo Zeyar Thaw. These acts show the junta’s contempt for the strong democratic aspirations of the people of Myanmar. Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zeyar Thaw were fearlessly committed to a free and democratic Myanmar, paying this advocacy with their lives. Our thoughts are with the families of those who were executed – and with those of the many others who have been killed, arrested or tortured in Myanmar since the military illegitimately took over power in February 2021.

By carrying out the four death sentences, the junta in Myanmar has sadly reached a new low point in its reign of tyranny. The military has once again shown its complete contempt for human rights. We call on the military to refrain from further executions and to immediately reinstate the moratorium on the use of the death penalty that had been upheld for decades.

The junta must immediately end the violence against its own people, allow a peaceful resolution through dialogue, release all political prisoners and grant full and unhindered humanitarian access. We support the mediation efforts by ASEAN and the United Nations and stand firmly with the overwhelming majority of the people of Myanmar who seek a swift return to freedom and democracy.