July 25, 2001

Khin Maung Myint, a young activist serving 8 years in prison was passed away in Kale (Kalay) Prison of unknown causes on 21 July.

Like other prisons around the country, Kale prison located in northeastern Burma is notorious for inappropriate accommodation and improper food.

Khin Maung Myint was one of the youth leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD), which won in the 1990 military government-sponsored election.

He was also secretary of the Latha Township NLD branch. He was arrested on 28 October 1997 following an attempt by the NLD to hold a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD youth in Mayangone Township in Rangoon. On that day, the military authorities blocked a delegation of NLD members from holding the meeting, which included General Secretary Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders. Many NLD members were forced into waiting vehicles and dumped near townships outside Rangoon.

On December 10, 1997, he was imprisoned under Article 5(j) of the 1950 Emergency Provision Act and Gambling Act. He was sentenced to one extra year inprisonment under the Gambling Act because when the military intelligence personnel searched his house they found the corner piece of an illegal lottery ticket.

His elderly mother and family members had difficult condition to visit him as the authorities had moved him from Insein prison to Kale prison.

Khin Maung Myint's health condition was good before his arrest. There are some deaths, as extremely sick prisoners have to wait the approval of military authorities for medical treatment. Last two weeks ago, a student activist died after 11 years in prison.

Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma)