IDFA, IFFR call for Myanmar filmmaker’s immediate release

Gyi

The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam and International Film Festival Rotterdam recently issued a joint statement-petition that calls for the immediate release of imprisoned Myanmar filmmaker and festival director Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi.

Concisely, the statement said, ‘We - filmmakers, film professionals, festivals, and organisations from around the world - are expressing our profound dismay at the recent detention of our fellow filmmaker and we are calling for his immediate release.

‘On 12 April 2019, Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi was arrested by the Myanmar authorities after being sued by a military officer for “insulting and defaming the Army.” Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi is a prominent filmmaker in Myanmar, and as such, an important voice in cinema in general. Additionally, Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi is the co-founder of the Human Rights Human Dignity Film Festival in Yangon.

‘After publishing various Facebook posts expressing public concern towards the military-drafted 2008 Constitution, he was detained and charged under two violations, both carrying a maximum prison sentence of two years.

‘Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi’s physical health is currently very fragile, having been operated to treat liver cancer only three months ago.

‘We are gravely concerned for his health and fear for his life, should he be sentenced to imprisonment.

‘We therefore plead for compassion for his serious health condition, and call authorities in Myanmar for his immediate release and his right to bail on humanitarian grounds.’

Update as of April 30: Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi's request for bail was denied for the second time on April 25. He appeared to be extremely fragile during the hearing. His health is deteriorating alarmingly and care following the treatment of his liver cancer is of major concern at this stage. We urge the authorities in Myanmar to immediately grant bail to Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi on humanitarian grounds. The next hearing will be on May 9.