The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has called for the Australian Government to put further sanctions on Myanmar’s military junta after the reported execution of a woman and her husband.
Human rights groups this week said Chan Myae Thu was the first woman executed since a military coup in 2021.
She was reportedly killed alongside her husband Kaung Htet.
They were among five activists sentenced to death on May 18, 2023 during a closed-door hearing at Insein Prison.
Australian academic Sean Turnell was imprisoned alongside some of the democracy activists during his almost two years of detention in Myanmar.
Australia secured his release in 2022, with the NTEU and wider union movement part of the campaign for his freedom.
NTEU National President Dr Alison Barnes called on the Federal Government to step up its sanctions on the junta.
“This murderous regime is executing people without even the slightest hint of justice,” she said.
“Some of the people on death row showed incredible generosity to Sean Turnell while he endured a horrific ordeal in Insein Prison.
“The NTEU condemns these unlawful killings in the strongest possible terms. I want to express our solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their human rights to peace, democracy and freedom.
“Australia’s opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances must be backed up by strong sanctions.
“Our government should be putting maximum pressure on the junta by sanctioning state-owned businesses, including mining companies that are still allowed to trade with Australian firms.”
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