A Burmese diplomat stationed in Washington is seeking asylum in the United States, saying he and his family will be persecuted if he is sent home.
A letter from Aung Lynn Htut to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, dated March 27th, was made public Thursday.
In it, the Burmese diplomat said he believes only the United States can provide safety and security for him and his family. He said he has been ordered home to Burma but expects to face politically-motivated interrogation, torture, and possibly even death if he complies.
Aung Lynn Htut has a background in military intelligence. He disappeared from Washington on Friday along with five family members. Burmese state media has called the disappearance an act of betrayal to the state.
