33 Days Of Hunger Strike And Still No Family Visit

1 January, 2008
Original report by Maung Htoo, DVB

It is now 33 days since Ko Htin Kyaw started the hunger strike protest in Insein prison and despite the application from his family to be allowed to see him, the authorities are still refusing to act in any form of communication.

The leader of the commodity price protests, Ko Htin Kyaw was allowed to receive food and medicines sent by the family but information on his health cannot be obtained from the authorities, according to a colleague.

On 27 December, the family and colleagues of Ko Htin Kyaw sent applications to gain permission to see him, to several State authorities, including Senior General Than Shwe, as concerns for his health status reached a new height.

He was arrested on 25 August, while staging protests for instigating high prices, including fuel. On 30 November, during his detention in Insein prison, he began staging his hunger strike, asking for the release of all the policital prisoners.