Military Junta On Arresting Spree

10 January 2008
Original report by Htet Aung Kyaw, DVB


The latest victim of the military junta's arresting spree was U Thet Wai, Chairman, National League for Democracy Party, San Chaung and it is not known where he has been kept, according to the NLD Communication Team.

The veteran political prisoner U Thet Wai, in his 50s, was supporting the 'soloist' U Ohn Than at his trial at Kyauk Ta Daa magistrate's court, when he was arrested yesterday, after he was seen arguing with a police official at about 1:00 pm, the eye witness reported.

"The Deputy Sergeant arrived and Hla Tun (the other official) and he, grabbed U Thet Wai's arms from each side and dragged him into one of the offices. After about half an hour questioning, the police car arrived and took him to Kyauk Ta Daa police station, where they kept him until 10 January".

When the family members of U Thet Wai went to ask about him at the police station, they were given no information, according to U Nyan Win from NLD communication team.

U Thet Wai was the 6th NLD member to be arrested since the New Year and with other activists included, 11 people have been arrested within the first 9 days of 2008.

NLD members Ko Kyaw Kyaw, Ko Kyaw Zin Win and two others, from Daw' Pone and Miss Htet Htet Aung from South Dagon were all arrested within the first week.

Five other people, who have been arrested are known as Ko Ko Maung and Ko Min Han from Mingaladon, a monk and two students.

Despite pledging to make 2008 a year of reconciliation, the junta evidently intend to carry on with their arresting spree.

"Altogether 102 members have been arrested, and are facing trial while being detained or imprisoned. The reason for the arrests is not known. The figures are very distressing. This is the time we should all concentrate on dialogue and National Reconciliation and the situation is appalingly bad if the authorities continue with these arrests and fail to release the politicians, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," said U Nyan Win.

(Please note that Ko Tun Tun Naing, NLD member from Insein has also been arrested and detained in Insein prison since 3 January. )