Francis Khoo Thwe

​Protests continue in the former Burma over the death sentence imposed on Win Zaw Tun and Zaw Lin who were found guilty in connection with the September 2014 murder of two British tourists. Myanmar is sending a legal team to appeal their case. Critics slam botched police investigation.

A Thai court has sentenced to death Win Zaw Htun and Zaw Lin for the murder of two British tourists in September 2014. The confession extrapolated under duress; later the two migrant workers recanted. The Archbishop of Yangon intervenes in case. Protests mount.

In a pastoral letter to the faithful for the feast, the prelate recalled the "national" character of the Burmese Catholics. They have always been attentive "to the marginalized" and in the first row "in nation building." An exhortation to all people of "good will" - the army, the government, opposition, civil society - for a future of peace "according to the message of Christ."

​A source talks to AsiaNews about Friday’s meeting between the retired "generalissimo" and the pro-democracy leader, at the former junta leader’s private residence in Naypyidaw. Shwe acknowledges the NLD’s win and offers his earnest support to Suu Kyi for the greater good of the nation.

The raid took place amid clashes in an area of conflict between the Burmese army and rebel militias. Identity of the assailants unknown. Shan militias are among those who have not signed a ceasefire with the outgoing national government. Activists warn of war crimes. Burmese Cardinal: "Peace, priority of the new NLD led government ".

The two men arrested on suspicion of links with the Kia rebel militias. Left in the hands of the soldiers , who brutally mistreated them. Hospitals refused to treat them and now under intelligence surveillance. The victory of the Democrats to the polls is not enough to pacify the conflict zones in areas where minorities live.

Speaking to AsiaNew Tint Swe describes a country that, after the vote, is heading towards a "new era". The landslide victory of the "Lady" and the party have a "huge significance". The problem of migrant workers and the future attitude of the army, "impossible" to predict. Imprisoned students interrupt hunger strike.

Myanmar’s parliament met yesterday in Naypyidaw for the first time since last week’s election. Parliamentary speaker reminds his fellow lawmakers that they are on the way out, and that they should work for the people. Slow process of transition irks the new majority leader. Meanwhile, fighting continues in Kachin and Shan states.

With the counting still underway, the NLD has secured control of both Houses of Parliament. 348 seats for the "Lady’s” party against 40 of the USDP. The democratic opposition will therefore lead the government and choose the next president. The Nobel Laureate renewes appeals for calm. The vote "is just the first step" in the path of reforms.

Some students arrested for protesting against education reform are still on a hunger strike, and their health is deteriorating. For Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, the release of political prisoners is a priority. However, Defence and Home Affairs ministries will remain in the hands of the military.

Former Youth Commission and election monitor team member leader Bosco Sawthuya tells AsiaNews that he was "surprised" by the vote. Although people are happy, it is too soon to know whether the election was free and fair. NLD calls for calm, restraint and avoid dressing in party red.

For Myanmar’s main opposition leader, the election was not fair, but mostly "free". Amid fears of vote rigging, controversy pursues the Electoral Commission for the slow vote count. As people celebrate in the streets of Yangon, anticipating greater religious freedom, Catholic Kachin peace activist has high hopes for ethnic minorities.