U Win Tin Hospitalised

16 January 2008
Original Report by Htet Aung Kyaw, DVB

Rumours of the famous political prisoner U Win Tin being hospitalised, are spreading among the families of fellow prisoners, it is reported.

He was admitted to the hospital, not long after Ko Hla Myo Naung, 8888 Generation Student Leader, who has been suffering from the damaged eyes, was sent there, according to the families. However, U Maung Maung Kin, who regularly visits U Win Tin, denied knowing anything about the news. He insisted that U Win Tin was not in bad health, when he last visited him in prison, on Saturday.

U Win Tin just asked for more medicines as precribed by a leading senoir doctor but except for the tingling sensation around his stomach, where an operation has yet to be done, he was generally in good health, according to U Maung Maung Kin.

"He told me he was alright and there was nothing wrong with him, quite cheerfully."

However, U Maung Maung Khin promised to make inquiries after the concerned shown at the news of the hospitalisation of U Win Tin, as it emerged only yesterday.

U Win Tin, 78, known as master or teacher among his associates, is a well-respected and famous journalist, and also a leading figure of the National League for Democracy Party. He was arrested in 1989 by military intelligence and has been serving nearly 20 years in prison, sometime in a prison dog kennel. Lately, his health has deteriorated and he was admitted to hospital often.

He famously refused frequent offers by the military junta - his freedom in exchange for a signed promise to give up all political activities.

He commented on the meeting held between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the junta liaison minister :

"The good news is that the communication minister was in the meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The bad news is that nobody knows what they are talking about, not even the agenda ! "

To sign the petition for the release of Saya U Win Tin, please click here.