“This piece of legislation is a threat to families’ rights to justice, truth and reparations and could violate Myanmar’s obligation to prosecute crimes under international law.”

“This law has been rushed through parliament with minimal debate before the new government takes office, raising concerns that the outgoing government is determined to protect its ranks from any form of prosecution.” said Champa Patel, Amnesty International Interim Director South East Asia and Pacific Office. While an improvement, the law could still be interpreted as granting immunity to former presidents including for crimes against humanity, war crimes and other crimes under international law. However, it now appears that the proviso “in accordance with the laws” has been added to the final version passed today. The original draft had rung alarm bells as it granted former presidents immunity from prosecutions for undefined “actions” committed during their time in office. Myanmar’s outgoing Parliament today voted to pass the Former Presidents Security Law. Myanmar should immediately repeal or amend a new law passed today which could grant former presidents immunity for human rights violations and crimes under international law, said Amnesty International.

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