Kachin state is in Myanmar but neighbours China and a small part of India. The Kachin people are mostly Christian.
Three Kachin activists were sentenced on Friday by a court for their role in a peaceful demonstration in April calling on the Burmese government to help internally displaced people fleeing attacks by the Burma Army.
They were sentenced to six months in prison and a fine of 500,000 Kyats (£250) each.
Activists Lum Zawng, Nang Pu and Zau Jat were charged with defamation of the army under Article 500 of Myanmar’s penal code for their role in a rally back in April this year, and a press conference the following day, following the escalation of the conflict between the Burma Army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
More than 5,000 civilians were reportedly displaced as a result of fighting earlier this year, and at least 2,000 were trapped without access to humanitarian assistance for several weeks. The protests, in which Lum Zawng, Nang Pu and Zau Jet participated, called for assistance for those fleeing the conflict.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide have condemned this act and their East Asia Team Leader Benedict Rogers said: “This sentence is outrageous and completely unjustified. These three activists were appealing for aid for civilians trapped in the jungle fleeing fighting. Since when has peacefully appealing for humanitarian assistance…
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