Statements

Statement from Holly Kuzmich, Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute, on the Execution of Burma’s Pro-Democracy Leaders

“The Bush Institute is committed to supporting the Burmese people and helping them turn Burma into a democratic nation that enshrines freedom, the rule of law, and opportunity for all.”

DALLAS – “The George W. Bush Institute condemns the Burmese military’s execution of four democracy activists: Ko Jimmy, Phyo Zeya Thaw, Hla Myo Aung, and Aung Thura Zaw. We mourn for all of them and their families.

 

Since overthrowing a democratically elected government in February 2021, the military has brutalized thousands of protestors and ordinary citizens, harming Burmese society. These recent killings represent further escalation by the military to terrorize the Burmese people, who have roundly rejected the coup d’état.

 

More broadly, the military’s campaign of repression is an outright rejection of human dignity and the rule of law, conditions which modern nations recognize are critical for human beings to flourish. That’s why, despite threats to their well-being, the Burmese people continue their pursuit of democracy.

 

The Bush Institute is committed to supporting the Burmese people and helping them turn Burma into a democratic nation that enshrines freedom, the rule of law, and opportunity for all.”