Tortured Musician Sent To Prison Hospital, 8888 Hla Myo Naung Loses Eyesight

15 January 2008
Original report by Moe Aye, DVB

Ko Win Maw

Guitarist Ko Win Maw from Shwe Thanzin Band, a detainee in Insein prison was sent to a prison hospital ungently after the torture sessions, conducted by MSA (Military Security Affairs) got out of hand, it is reported.

He was arrested on 27 November by the police special branch and since last Saturday , was handed over to the MSA for interrogation, during which he was subjected to torture methods including dripping water on the head and drowning. When Ko Win Maw became too ill as a result of the abuse, he was sent to the prison hospital, with suspected collapsed lungs.

However, the treatment for him cannot start yet as the hospital staff have to await permission from the Minister of Home-Affairs.

Ko Kyaw Soe, who went through the abusive interrogation sessions alongside Ko Win Maw, is also fighting for his life in the same hospital.

Ko Hla Myo Naung

One of 8888 Generation Student leaders, Ko Hla Myo Naung, another Insein prison detainee, is losing his eyesight, according to his family and friends.

He was arrested on the way to a clinic for his eye operation on 10 October, last year. Although his eye operation was allowed to go ahead the next day, he was sent to Insein prison immediately afterwards and since then has not received any more treatment to his eyes. Now, after 3 months, his other eye has also deteriorated and he is losing sight.