Health Concern For NLD Member

31 December 2007
Original report by Maung Too, DVB

Worrying news is reaching the family and friends that Ko Tut Pe aka Ko Win Zaw, who has been in custody for over 4 months is now unable to walk, after having to sleep on the concrete floor. He is a member of NLD Party, Thone Kwa.

'We heard that he has been placed among the convicts and has to live and sleep directly on a concrete floor. As a result, he was having strokes and is now unable to walk. No one is allowed to see him, so we can't be sure about the news but that's what we have heard.', said the informer.

'He was fed 2 meals a day but the meals were so small he is not getting enough nutrition to be fit. He has been treated as if he was a criminal or a convict', he added.

Ko Tut Pe who was arrested since 6 August, was kept in a jail in Kyauk Tan Police Unit 7 before being sent to Insein prison. On 14 December, he was sent back to Thone Kwa jail but the family was not notified, nor did they know anything about the first hearing of his case on 27 December.

The family was allowed to visit him while he was in Insein prison but since he was moved back to Thone Kwa jail, they have been banned from seeing him. Ko Tut Pe's aunt said,' Since he has been back to this area, the family members are not allowed to see him anymore. We have permission to send him a little food and snack but that's all. No visits.'

Ko Tut Pe was remanded for a week and his next trial is due on 10 January.

Mya Than Htike and Ko Tut Pe's Trial

30 December 2007
Original report by Ye May Aung, DVB

Ko Mya Than Htike, member of the NLD Party, Thingun Gyun, Rangoon, was brought before court last Wednesday but there was no hearing and the case has been adjourned. He was shot at and arrested while reciting prayers with other protesters in September, before being detained in Insein Prison.

Ma Wa Wa Lwin, his sister said,' The next hearing date was given as 2nd January. He has been charged under Section 505b. He was both hand-cuffed and shackled. He was brought in by special police car. He looked fine. His gun shot wound is also healing well. We managed to send him medicines and other essential items.'

Similarly, Ko Tut Pe aka Ko Win Zaw, member, NLD Party, Thone Kwa, was brought before Thone Kwa Magistrate court for the trial. He has been arrested and detained since early September. However, it is reported that the hearing was held without informing his family.

A family friend said,' We only learnt that Ko Tut Pe was brought before court on Thursday. Nobody knew about it, even his family. After we made enquiries at the office we were told that his offence was committed under Section 145 and the next hearing date is 10th January. All the preparations are done for him, like hiring a solicitor, etc, for his trial. If the trial is not being held according to the legislation, we must then act accordingly too.'

After being arrested in Thone Kwa, Ko Tut Pe was sent to Insein Prison, Rangoon. He was transfered back to Thone Kwa jail; however until now, his family has not been given permission to visit him. Instead, they have to send him small packages, containing medicines and other personal toiletary, known in Burma as a 'prison parcel'.