Media release
Date: : March 6, 2004

We, the AAPP, have learnt that Burmese student leaders Ko Tin Aye, Ko Thet Win Aung and Ko Ye Kyaw Tun are now hospitalized at Mandalay Hospital.

Ko Thet Win Aung is suffering from cerebral malarial infection and depression. He was transferred to Mandalay from Khanti prison due to malaria and depression in 2003. We don't know what diseases Ko Tin Aye and Ko Ye Kyaw Tun have.

Tate Naing, the secretary of the AAPP said, "We are extremely concerned about their health because they may die due to lack of facilities at the hospital. Of course, they should be in school, not prison. However, the junta keeps these political prisoners hostage in order tighten their grip on state control. The junta sees these prisoners not as human beings but enemies in their struggle to stay in power."

Ko Thet Win Aung was arrested in October 1998 and was given 60 years imprisonment with summary trial. He was then transferred to Kale prison. He participated in a hunger strike for political prisoners' rights and was moved again to Hkamti prison. In 2003, he was relocated to Mandalay prison for his poor health.

Ko Tin Aye was arrested in 1989 and given 20 years imprisonment by Martial court. Although his original imprisonment was 20 years, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) reduced his term to 10 years in 1993. After he served his sentence, the authorities failed to release him and extended his sentence under another section of the law, Section 10(A), called the State Protection Act (1975).

Ko Ye Htun Kyaw was arrested with Ko Thet Win Aung and given 20 years imprisonment. He was moved from Insein to Mandalay prison.

There are currently at least 51 political prisoners in Burma suffering from serious illnesses. See www.aappb.net/index

AAPP