Activists work on 'political prisoner' definition

“We are holding discussions with members of parliament from the NLD, White Tiger Party and Chin Party. The meeting spotlighted how the term 'political prisoner' should be used in Parliament. This term, political prisoner, is being discussed informally. We are going to cooperate with some MPs to continue carrying out the tasks,” Bo Kyi told a meeting at the Max Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw.
The AAPP and the FPPS are now collecting data about former political prisoners.
The AAPP, FPPS, political parties and civil society organisations held a workshop on the definition of ‘political prisoner’ in Yangon in August 2014.
Anyone arrested, charged or sentenced for directly or indirectly supporting movements for freedom, justice, equality or human rights, or for participating in demonstrations or other forms of dissent against the government, would be considered a political prisoner, it was decided.
A person arrested and imprisoned for activities motivated by their belief that government decisions or performance did not serve the public interest – such as publishing or making speeches – may also be defined as a political prisoner, the draft says.
There were 157 political prisoners held across the country at the end of April and more than 450 political activists faced charges, the AAPP said.