The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the convictions in the trial of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint in Myanmar:
"Canada condemns the convictions of Myanmar's detained, democratically elected civilian leadership, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. Today's convictions follow trials that met no standard of impartiality and are emblematic of the regime's blatant disregard for human rights and judicial independence.
"Judicial independence is fundamental to the rule of law and essential for any democratic and accountable government.
"Canada is deeply concerned over recent events in Myanmar, including the regime's use of lethal force against unarmed and peaceful protestors and civilians, as well as its ongoing arrests and detentions of protestors, politicians, civilians, civil society activists, journalists and pro-democracy leaders. Over the past few days, these events have led to several deaths, injuries and detentions by military forces.
"Canada calls for the release of all those arbitrarily detained, including political prisoners, as well as the immediate cessation of violence. Canada also calls for the utmost restraint to be exercised by all parties.
"Canada reiterates its full support for the ongoing efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Chair's Special Envoy, in close cooperation with the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General."
