ENGLISH DEYEA NEWS

By WAI MOE | An exercise ban has been imposed on political prisoners in Rangoon’s Insein prison, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners-Burma (AAPP). The regular supplies of books from family members and friends have also been stopped by the authorities, the Thailand-based organization said.

AAPP’s joint secretary, Bo Kyi, drew attention to health problems suffered by Burma’s longest serving political prisoner, the 79-year-old journalist Win Tin, and a prominent leader of the 88 Students Generation, Min Ko Naing.

Min Ko Naing, a close associate of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, was arrested on August 21 2007 after leading a protest march against rising fuel prices. He has a serious eye ailment and is reported to be suffering now from other health problems.

Burma’s main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has called in a statement for the release of NLD members arrested for praying for Aung San Suu Kyi on her 63th birthday on June 19. The arrests were illegal, the NLD statement said.

The NLD members were attacked by pro-government thugs belonging to the paramilitary Swan Ah Shin and the Union Solidarity and Development Association while they were taking part in a prayer ceremony for Suu Kyi. Police looked on as the thugs beat the participants, the NLD statement said.

NLD sources say about five people, including two party members, Theingi and Ma Cho, were also arrested on June 24 for their involvement in Nargis relief works.