Senior General Than Shwe Being Asked For Permission To See Ko Htin Kyaw

31 December 2007
Original report by Maung Too, DVB

The family and colleagues of Ko Htin Kyaw, the famous leader of instigating protests against increased fuel prices, have applied directly to Senior General Than Shwe for permission to see him as his health deteriorates rapidly after 32 consecutive days of hunger strike.

Ko Thein Myint Aung, a colleague of Ko Htin Kyaw said,' We have written to the Senior General for permission to see Ko Htin Kyaw, so that we could beg him to defer the hunger strike. The country is losing so many pro-democracy people and we intend to stop that'.

Ko Htin Kyaw was arrested on 25 August for leading the fuel protest. During his custody, he started the hunger strike, demanding the release of all political prisoners. According to the news of prison authority circle his condition is rapidly deteriorating as the hunger strike days reached 32nd.

The Interview with Ko Thein Aung Myint

'Ko Htin Kyaw is in a serious condition. We would like to see him, to beg him to temporarily call off with the hunger strike and we have sent our application for permission to see him.'

DVB : Where did you send your applications?

'To the Senior General Than Shwe, The Home Office Ministry and the local SB.'

DVB : Why do MDC (Myanmar Development Council) members want Ko Htin Kyaw to defer the hunger strike?

'We are worried about his health. If his actions were not 100% successful, we believe that they have nevertheless been extremely effective. It has been very successful up to certain level. The recent release of many monks, if not all, is proof of this. Under the current authority, the government is not going to take actions againt the hunger strike, which means we are only going to lose Ko Htin Kyaw, if he dies. We do not want to lose any more of the pro-democracy people as we can't afford it. We have already lost so many of them. That's why we are trying to stop him.'

DVB : When did you send off the applications? Have you had any reply?

'The applications were sent off on 27 December. We have not received any reply so far.'

DVB : It is the end of the year now. With respect, the State and the authority has not treated or replied it's subjects, groups, organisations and parties, whenever they tried to communicate either in persons or by letters. What would you like to say about that?

'It is a great shame that our government do not show us enough respect to communicate with individuals or groups and organisations, but I do not want to say any more than that. In our country, everything is so hard for people. Our government is extremely sensitive. Every little conversation or gossip is treated as an insult, defamation or even trying to destroy the country. We just feel like walking on the edge of a steep cliff. We just do not want to say anything.'

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'.

News of Political Prisoners, Insein Prison

The latest news of Insein Prisons is reported as follows;

Ko Kyaw Soe aka Talky Kyaw Soe was moved from a special unit to the main unit on 27 December. His head was badly injured during arrest which has effected his brain and neuro system. Until now, Ko Kyaw Soe and 6 other protesters have not been seen by family members. Instead, they can only send packages to them.

Ko Myint Lwin Oo aka Thar Gyi appeared before court on 26 December.

Five monks from Ngwe Kyaryan monastary (U Nanda, U Zarni Ya, U Ega Dama, U Indria and U Lar Thaka) have all been charged under Sections 505 b, 295 and 143

Ko Kyaw Swa Htay has been charged under Section 7, Ko Htun Htun Naing has been charged under Section 505, Ko Aung Min Naing has repeatedly been given court appointments, which have not been kept. Ko Hla Myo Naung is still in the main unit's hospital where treatment is of the lowest standard. Except for shower time, all the political prisoners are banned from going outside their cells. Apart from the famous and well-known leaders, the rest, and especially younger prisoners are subjected to physical and mental abuse and torture.

There was a meeting on 26 December between the judges and attorney generals, who decided not to hold hearings for the time being.

The Decision Issued By Ko Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Ko Htay Kywe

"It has now been 4 months and 8 days (130 days) since we have been arrested and detained.
This waiting time is far longer than permitted under International (including Burmese) Laws, which state that detainees must be put on trial within 90 days. If we are not brought before the Magistrate Courts, our families will file a suit against the SPDC (junta).

If we are to be prosecuted, the court hearing must be held in public and systematically , according to the laws and legislation. If the SPDC is trying to hold the trial in private and the decisions made behind the close doors, we will not agree to sign it".

(Information obtained by Generation Wave, which is posted in Ko Htike's blog)

Boycott Appeal To Everyone Who Abhors Burma Junta

Please click here for the Boycott Appeal. and also here. Thank you.

Soloist U Ohn Than's Trial

28 December 2007
Original report : DVB Aye Nai, Thailand

For U Ohn Than, demonstrating, being arrested and then thrown into prison are all becoming part of his normal life as he has been through it many times over, with not a thought of giving up. When he appeared before Kyauktada Magistrate court today however, there was no hearing and his case was adjourned to 9th January . It is also reported that members of his family are banned from attending the hearings.

Known as 'The Soloist', the 62 years old U Ohn Than stood infront of the US Embassy on 23 August, holding 6 different posters and was arrested and detained in Insein prison. His posters showed slogans including;

'Form a Government , That Represents the People',

'Listen and Act On What People Want',

'End Military Ruling, Now' and

'China and Russia's Vetoes - Go To Hell'.

Ma Ei Ei Maw, U Ohn Than's daughter, who came to attend today's trial but was denied entry to the court room, told DVB that her father was taken upstairs into the court room but only for a while. 'They closed the door after my father was taken upstairs and didn't allowed me to follow him. He was brought down again within a few minutes. Nobody explained or informed me much. All I learnt was that there will be another hearing on 9th January. I have no idea if we will learn about the Judge's decision on that day nor will the family be allowed to be present. It is very confusing. '

U Ohn Than is being charged under section 505 (b) for incitement of offences against the state and or the government and against the public tranquillity, which could lead to two years imprisonment.

It is understood that U Ohn Than is representing himself in court. The current arrest and detention is the 6th for the 'soloist' protester, who has served years of imprisonment for the first 2 sentences. For his later offences, he was released within months.

Tin Ko Latt from Thar Kayta, Rangoon, who was arrested during the September protests, who also appeared before court today, was given the next hearing date.

According to the eye witness report, today's court hearing was well attended by personnel from the political elite and members from Myanmar Development and Progress Group, which was led by Ko Htin Kyaw before his arrest.

Prison Officials Allowed Christians' Charity Work

28 December 2007
Original report : Thet Nai , DVB, India

Members of all the Christian churches around Kalay, Sagaing have been doing their annual charity work, including food and clothing donation at some the prison labour camps in the area, it is reported.

It is a tradition for churches to do such charity work every Christmas, however this was not being allowed by the prison officials last year, as reported by the locals.

This year, after obtaining the permission, the Christians went to '55 Mile' Labour Camp, Yarsagyo Labour Camp and Mawlite Kalay Labour Camp, where they offered a meal with meat curry to every prisoner as well as giving them some clothing.

It is reported that prisoners at Kalay-Kabaw Labour Camp, North Western Sagaing are kept in shackles while having to do hard and long hours of farming work with very little food at meal times. As a result, they contract disease and the death tolls are very high.

Housewives Union Member Appeared Before Court

28 December 2007
Original report : Aye Nai, DVB

Daw Khin Mar Cho, a member of the Burmese Housewives Union, who was arrested during protests in front of the Rangoon City Hall, appeared before Kyauk Tada Magistrate court for a hearing. The case has however been adjourned to 9th January, as reported by her uncle.

Daw Khin Mar Cho is to face charges under section 505b on 'incitement to commit offences against the public tranquility', and if found guilty will be given a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment.

All other 17 members who were arrested together with her on August 24, had been released. The ladies were arrested violently and aggressively by Swan Arr Shin and USDA (Union Solidarity and Development Association) members who claimed to be civilians (who therefore don't have the authority to arrest) right in front of the uniformed police.

Daw Khin Mar Cho has a 65 year old mother who is dependent on her.

Military Government Condemned For Not Taking Action Against Hunger Strikes

27 December 2007
Original report : Maung Too, DVB

On the 28th day of the hunger strike of Ko Htin Kyaw, the leader of prices inflation protest, the military junta was seriously condemned by international and domestic human rights organisations.

' Arresting and detaining someone only because he or she was expressing their opinions is a serious violation of the human rights,' said U Myint Aye, leader of HRDP (Human Rights Defenders and Promoters Network).

'Because he is in custody, this was the only way he could express his feelings so that's what he has been doing. Anyone, who has respect for human rights must take action, to provoke discussion and work towards a solution of the problems. Only people of uncivilised society would ignore someone this serious to express his opinion in the only way left open to him', he said.

U Nyan Win, member of media department, NLD party, who assessed Ko Htin Kyaw's case said his hunger strike action is not only systematic but also perfectly in line with the existing laws and legislations. He also explained that arresting the protesters is actually against the law.

'This is the most worrying and anxious time as Ko Htin Kyaw's hunger strike has reached the 28th day and his life is in serious danger', he added.

Ko Htin Kyaw was arrested on August 25, while leading the protest against the increase in all prices including fuel, which hit the poorest people hardest , when many workers couldn't even afford the daily bus fares. During his custody in Insein prison, Ko Htin Kyaw started the hunger strike on 30th November, demanding the immediate release of all political prisoners in the country, after witnessing the poor and inhumane conditions, in which they are being held and treated.

U Aung Myo Min, Director of Human Rights Education Department (HREIB), Thailand, criticised the military government for not making a single effort to consider, negotiate or discuss Ko Htin Kyaw's hunger strike.
'Arresting someone, who is protesting peacefully is already breaking the basic human rights law. It is also the right action to ask and demand the release of all political prisoners and human rights defenders and promoters', he added.

'We object to this illegal treatment of prisoners and condemn the military government's denial to recognise these basic rights and their refusal to take immediate action to listen to the hunger strikers'.

NLD Youth Member Transfered To Kathar Prison

DVB
21 December 2007

Ko Nyunt Aung, a youth member of the NLD party, who was arrested during the September uprising and remanded in custody since, has been transfered from Shwe Bo prison to Kathar prison, it was reported.

His sister, who travelled to Shwe Bo prison to visit him, only found out about Ko Nyunt Aung's transfer, on arrival. From now on, the family members will have to travel further to visit him in Kathar prison.

Ko Nyunt Aung was arrested on September 22, at Pe' Kado security gate, Sagaing, on his way to attend an annual ceremony at NLD party headquarter in Rangoon.

He is serving 2 years sentence in Shwe Bo prison, while being moved to Kathar prison.

Pakkoku 4's Case Hearing Adjourned 6 Times

December 27, 2007
Original report by Aye Nai, DVB

Four men, the first to be arrested shortly after the monks protest in Pakkoku, Magwe Division, are still being detained in Thayet prison, waiting to be put on trial as their case has been adjourned many times due to the absence of the prosecutors' witnesses, it is reported.

U Thant Shin, U Sein Lin, U Nay La and U Thar Aung were arrested on 8th September and have been in detention since then. All four have been arrested and charged under a section of Act 147 : for disorder and creating a disturbance. U Thant Shin has also been charged under Emergency Law, a section of Act 5 (j) and the Court Hearing for his case are being held in a building near the main gate of Thayet prison and not in a magistrate court.

The four are the first ones to be arrested on 8th September, after the brutal crackdown of on hundreds of parading monks, who were peacefully reciting and radiating love and affection to every individual who were badly affected by the sudden increase of the fuel price.

Yesterday's appointment was the 8th time they appeared in court for the hearing but apart from the first two hearings, no witnesses for the prosecution turned up, so the last 6 hearings have been adjourned in succession, according the friends of family members, who made an effort to be at each hearing at Thayet, travelling from Pakkoku.

U Aung Thein, the senior legal adviser explained that if the trial dates are being postponed many times like this, the defendants have the right to demand the presence of the prosecutor's witnesses and if they failed to appear on 3 occasions, then the warrant should be issued for their appearance at court.

The next hearing is due on 9th January 2008.

Hpyarpone NLD Member Is Prosecuted With 6 Actions Of Act

December 26, 2007
Original report by Htet Yaza, DVB

Ko Thein Swe, member of National League for Democracy (NLD) party, Hpyarpone, who has been arrested and detained in Insein prison, in connection with public protests in Rangoon, is to be prosecuted, it is reported.

He will appear in court on 2nd January said his father U Min Swe, Member of Parliament, Hpyarpone area 2, who visitied him in Insein prison on 24th of this month. On December 19th, Ko Thein Swe was informed by a police official, a judge from Bahan Magistrate Court and a lawyer, who said he will be prosecuted under the provisions of Acts 292, 124, 505 (B), 143, 145 and 147.

Act 292 deals with the selling and distributing of pornographic books and Act 143 is for joining and being active in organisations which are illegal.

With prosecutions under so many Acts, seem to show a premeditated determination to imprison a man, who did not commit any of the above crimes. Daw Sein Tee, Ko Thein Swe's mother said,' My son would never hurt nor would he steals. For being a straight man, to be prosecuted under all these Acts, that nobody ever even heard of, makes me extremely angry'.

'They can make any accusations they want, but my son and his colleagues are all straightforward people, who do everything for truth and justice. Only time will tell. I am his mother so of course I am very sad and hurt but there is nothing I can do at the moment. I just believe in truth and justice which I hope will be brought back soon.'

According to the senior legal adviser, U Aung Thein, who is working on Ko Thein Swe's case, the trial could not be held in the local magistrate courts because of the seriousness of the prosecution, which involve imprisonments from 6 months to life time.

His family said, when Ko Thein Swe was being arrested at home on 22nd October, no illegal documents were found in the house, no legal documents or search warrant was presented. No evidence to justify the arrest was given.

We Will Fight Back Against Anarchy, Reign Of Terror And Lawlessness

December 26, 2007
Original report by Aye Nai, DVB

The authority used force and violance to arrest the public who were peacefully protesting for the over inflated fuel price, then consequently detained and prosecuted 5 people. Vice versa, the accused are going to take the authority to court, it is reported.

Ko Than Myint Zaw, Ko San Win, Ko Thant Zin Myo, Ko Kyaw Soe Win, all from Hlaing Thar Yar and a man from Hle' Dan, Rangoon , were all arrested while staging the peaceful demostration against the much increased fuel price in Hle' Dan , Kamaryut , while they were terrorised and arrested. They are all prosecuted against the Section of an Act (2) and will be put on trial on 31st December, according to the family members. They are also being accused of violating the law, Section of an Act 505 (b) ; Behaving, planning, plotting, intending and stimulating to disturb and destroy the peace and tranquility of the State and/or the government, Section of an Act 147; Struggling, fighting and creating chaotic situation. If found guilty, they can be sentenced to 2 years imprisonment for each act.

'A lawer and a police official informed us of the court hearing in Kamaryut Magistrate court on 31st December,' said U Tin Yu, father of Ko Than Zaw Myint, who went to visit his sons in Insein Prison today.

'None of the laws were transgressed by the boys. Nobody was trying to commit the crime of lese-majesty. It was completely erroneous. The chaotic situation was only created by the violent aggression towards the peaceful protesters, by the authority. We are going to hire the lawyers for them. We are going to defend their innocence,' said U Tin Yu.

Although they were told about the case being heard in Kamaryut Magistrate court, there is also a possibility that the hearing could be held, privately, inside the Insein prison, so the father is vowed to wait at the prison gate every morning.

On the day of the violent arrest, the peacefully protesting civilians were attacked by so called public, a group made up of Swun Arr Shin (power rangers), Kyant Put (public developers) and local authority, who used force aggressively to arrest them.

'We have proof and evidence of their use of violent force to arrest people, which is against the law. We will take them to court. We are going to expose them, officially. They have no right to arrest people. They had no warrants. We have photos of my sons being punched, being dragged into a truck and also a convoy of trucks surrounding people and beating them. They were not the nomal arrest. They were most violent acts. As they were throwing people into the trucks, they just punched them with the iron fists,' siad U Tin Yu.

'They called themselves people of citizens. However, they are just thugs and gangsters. It was just a lawlessness. They are the ones who are being taken to court. They have no right to arrest. If my sons were staging a protest and the authority wanted to detain them it should be security guards, proper police or the secret agents. This anarchy and the reign of terror is causing the whole country to suffer. We are going to inform all these lawlessness to the State and the government, including the Senior General Than Shwe,' he said.

Three Young Men and a Teenager, to be Put On Trial

December 26, 2007
Original report by Naw Say Paw, DVB

Three young men, Ko Si Thu Maung, Ko Ye' Min Oo and Ko Kyi Phu and a teenage University student Maung Ye' Myat Hein, who have been all detained in Insein prison are to be prosecuted under 7 different Sections of an Act. All 4 who have been in the special unit (1), to be prosecuted for acting or intending to disturb the peace and tranquaility of the State and/or the government, planning, plotting and persuading others to follow in the same act, acting in a way which made the public feel fear and frightened, and also for creating a chaotic and disorderly situation. The Sections of the Act under which they are to be prosecuted are 143, 144, 145, 147, 295, 295 (a) and 505 (b), according to Ye' Myat Hein's father U Khin Maung Cho, who visited his son today. It is expected that they are going to be put on trial at the Bahan Magistrate Court, on 2nd January, 2008.

Ye' Myat Hein told his father 'We didn't break any law. We just followed the marching monks on 25th, while holding the traditional student union's flag, peacefully. We did not hold any weapon. There was no chaos or disorder at all, except peace. Therefore, I have no feeling or what so ever towards those so called sections of an Act. However, I am extremely sad. Is our country this bad? I had no idea that our beloved country's situation is this bad. That has saddened me so much. I don't feel, care or even feel frighted about those accusations against me but I am just heart-broken to realise how desperate our country's situation is'.

Ye' Myat Hein, who is 17, was taken away from home by the junta's officials on 10th October. He had been through all forms and methods of torture during the questioning, according to the people who had been released from the prison and also other prison visitors.

'By filing 7 law suits again the underage student, the government is just breaking it's self-issued laws. Moreover, it is threatening and undermining the youth's psycological and social development,' said U Khin Maung Cho.

'According to the legislations laws, 1993, Underage children and young infants law; Section of an Act 37 (a) When a young person, an underage child or an infant is charged and arrested, no hand cuffs or rope must be used (b) they must not be placed among grown up prisoners (c) they must not be subjected to beating or any other form of torturing or threatening. However, Ye' Myat Hein was placed in the mixed ward with 20 other convicted criminals,' he said.

'This section of an Act 37 was issued and endorsed by the government and now they are actually breaking and violating their own laws, themselves.'

Hunger Strike Leader's Lawyer Not Allowed In Court Hearing

26 December 2007
Original report by Maung Too, DVB

On the 27th day of his hunger strike, Ko Htin Kyaw, the fuel protest leader, was being tried in private, in Insein prison, (where he is in solitary confinement) in the absence of his lawyer. U Aung Thein, the senior attorney, who is representing Ko Htin Kyaw, was waiting to attend the court hearing, but permission to enter the cell of his client, Ko Hti Kyaw was denied by the junta. 'I was not allowed inside the court room, I was not told what was going on so there is no way that I could follow my clients case'.

Ma Than Than Maw, Ko Htin Kyaw's wife was also not allowed to see him today. When she last saw him yesterday, he was very weak and tired.

The interview with U Aung Thein, Ko Htin Kyaw's lawyer

'Ko Htin Kyaw was being tried today, inside the Insein prison. There was a judge, the law official and Kyaw Tint, the police official who opened the case against Ko Htin Kyaw. They were allowed in but I wasn't. It means I would not be able to get the general power from Ko Htin Kyaw either.'

The Law of Justice has been written quite clearly; there has to be freedom of court hearing, the trial should be in full view of the public,and I should have been able to address the magistrates court. None of this has happened. They have just remanded Ko Htin Kyaw without trial. If they really wanted a proper the hearing, I was there and available. Even if they didn't want the hearing, they should allow me to meet my client or to allow to transfer the general power. So although I am Ko Htin Kyaw's lawyer, I will not be able to represent him in any way.'

DVB : Who stopped you from doing that?

'It wasn't that the magistrate court who stopped me. It was Insein prison authority, who didn't allow me to enter to the room in which the hearing was held. I wasn't allowed to even see him, and have no idea when the next hearing will be. When the case was read out in Panbedan court, then I was officially notified of the next hearing date, 26th December, by the Magistrate.'

'I was at Insein prison since 10:00 am today. By about 2:30 pm, the others (the judge, the police official and the law official) were all allowed into the special court hearing room but not me. According to the prison officials, it is their departmental rules that prevented my access. There was nothing I could do about that.'

DVB: Did you see Ko Htin Kyaw came out for the court hearing?

'We did not even have a glimpse of Ko Htin Kyaw'

NLD Members Living With Rats In Mandalay Prison

December 26, 2007
Original report by Nan Kum Tayauk, DVB

Members of National League for Democracy (NLD) party, Mandalay, were allowed a family visit for the first time since their arrest 3 months ago but to the shock and horror of the visiting families, the prisoners are living in conditions so bad that they had to share their food with rats, which infested their cells day and night.

U Than Lwin, a leading member of Mandalay NLD party and the Member of Parliament from Mattaya township and his colleague Daw Win Mya Mya, NLD party member have been detained in O Bo prison, Mandalay since the September Golden Colour Revolution.

When being allowed for the first time in 3 months, the visiting family members' happiness, hopes and relief, soon turned into horror and sadness when they witnessed the dreadful conditions in which the prisoners have been living.

During the 20 minutes visiting time, Daw Win Mya Mya's brother saw that his sister, just as in her previous imprisonment, was looking thin and weak. She had to struggle to keep the meeting time as she had bad stomach and needed the toilet much of the time. Her spirit, however, was is as strong as ever which gave U Ba Soe, her brother, much comfort.

Ma Khin Mar Lwin, the daughter of MP U Than Lwin, encountered a different problem when she learned that her father, who had been beaten badly, could not eat. One of his eye sockets was now lower and the eye was weeping continuously. He told his daughter his eye was giving him much pain. When asked for treatment for the damaged eye, the authorities said they would arrange it; this undertaking has so far not been fulfilled.

Six other NLD members, who have been detained in O Bo prison were also allowed a family visit on the same day. Nobody knows why they have been arrested and detained and family members were asking for their immediate release, since they did not commit any crime.

For original report, please click here.

The NLD Member In Prison Is Chained Up In Shackles

December 25, 2007
Original source: DVB's Aye Nai

U Win Myint, member of NLD ( National League for Democracy) party, Hlaing Tharya, Rangoon, who has been detained in Insein prison, is now in Ankle cuffs, ready to be sent off to one of the labour camps, it is reported.

U Win Myint, who earned the living as a trishaw driver, was carrying a passenger on 2nd December while they approached a 40 strong army of waiting local authority security members. The passenger then suddenly got out of the trishaw and ran into a waiting car and disappeared. By now, U Win Myint, who was left in his trishaw was surrounded by the authority, who then arrested him for possessing a 9 inch long knife, which has been left in the passenger seat.

During his arrest, he was asked to resign as a NLD memberin order to get a lighter sentence, which he refused.

On December 18, U Win Myint appeared in Hlaing Tharya magistrate court, being charged with possessing weapon, section of an Act 19 (c). During a few minutes he was given to hire a lawyer, he was advised to admit to having owned the weapon. He was then given a 3 years prison sentence.

U Win Myint, who is 48, earned his living as a trishaw driver, to look after his wife and two school aged children. He was visited by his wife last Friday. It is understood that he is chained up in ankle cuffs and his health is deteriorating.

For full report, please click here, and here.

Taunggote's Ko Min Aung Given Family Visit Permission

December 24, 2007
Original Source : DVB's Naw Say Paw

For the first time, since his arrest in September, Ko Min Aung, joint secretary of National League for Democracy Party, Taunggote, will be given permission for a family visit, it is reported.

Ko Min Aung, 35, arrested in early October, then sentenced to 9 1/2 years in prison. However, after the release of the fellow prisoners, who were also arrested with him, Ko Min Aung's sentence has been reduced to 2 1/2 years. During his first 2 months of the detention in Thandwe prison, he was not allowed any family visit, according to his mother.

'They said I can see him fortnightly on Sundays so I am hoping to visit on next Sunday. I am getting very excited as I will soon have a chance to see him. They kindly told me that Sundays are the best because you may then have longer time, about 30 mins or a bit longer. During the week, it is busy so you have shorter time. As soon as I heard the news I just can't wait to see my son. Being a monther, I am just dying to see my son's face, and then I shall be content.

Ko Min Aung and his mum are the lucky ones as he is the first political prisoner from outside Rangoon, who was given the permission for a family visit. So far, only the 8888 generation students in Insein prison have been allowed to see the families.

U Hlaing Aye, member of parliament , Pakoku Townwhip, who is in Myinchan prison,
Daw Win Mya Mya and other NLD members in O Bo prison, Mandalay,
U Myint Oo in Magwe prison and hundreds of other political prisoners who are all detained in prisons across the country are no so lucky. Until now, no family members have seen their love ones, since the arrest, nearly 3 months ago.

For full report, please click here.

I Am Well, Because Of Your Prayers, Hunger Strike Leader Said

25 December 2007
Original Source : DVB Maung Too

Today, the Christmas Day, is the 26th day after the fuel protest leader Ko Htin Kyaw started the hunger strike since the end of November, demanding the release of all the political prisoners. His wife, Ma Than Than Maw, who went to visit him in his solitary confinement said he looked very weak. 'He only spoke in whisper but sent message to the public that he is doing well, due to all the love, concern and prayers he received from them', she said. Ko Htin Kyaw is expected to appear in court hearing tomorrow, either in Insein prison or Panbedan magistrate court.

'My protest, which I am carrying out for the benefit of the public, is nothing, compared with those who gave up lives during the crack down', he said. Two other people; Ko Myo Thant and Ko Zin Lin Aung, who have also been on hunger strike in Insein prison, are also in the isolation cells.

To read the previous hunger strike reports, please click here.
To read the original report, please click here.

The Building Up Time In Taunggote

23 December 2007
Origional source : DVB's Naw Say Paw and Nan Kum Tayauk, Thailand

The citizens in Taunggote have been ordered to take on the guarding duty to watch the public activities by the rulers, it was reported. Since the beginning of the month, people from all four areas of the town have been on the political activity watch duty and if they can't carry out the order, they have to pay the penalty - a heavy sum. This latest turn in the politically active town, which has challanged the junta to make a' swift change or get out', is creating the very unhappy situation among the locals, almost like the pressure building up in the volcano, before the eruption, according to one resident.

The antigovernment activists have been tirelessly campaigning, including propaganda distribution and graffiti writing on the roads and the much embarrassed rulers are focing the public to take on the guard duty to catch the campainers.

'The whole town is full of guards. There are about 6 guard centres for each area of the town. At least 3 people must be on duty in one centre, all night long, from 7 pm until 6 am. They call it fire guard but the funny thing is that there shouldn't be any fire alarm warning. It is clearly people being asked to spy on each other', said one local.

'Nevertheless, it fails to stop the campaign. Posters appear everywhere; outside the town, in the trees and bushes, on the lamp post, in the smaller nearby towns, there are lots of letter distribution. That's what they are after. They want to get them so they call it a fire guard', he said.

'Those households, who can't go on the guard duty were charged a huge penalty payments of about K 10,000/- so some families who can afford the fine are even sending the ladies for the duty, which is rediculous. We are all poor people, who have to work during the day and now, at night, when we should be sleeping, whe have to work too. People are getting very tired and angry. The lower ranking officials also have to share the duty.'

When the local government office was asked to explain about this new compulsory guarding duty, there was no one available to answer.

'People are getting very fed up and unhappy about this force labour. Everyone who came off the duty is swearing and cursing. It is just like the slow fire burning inside and there could be a big explosion any time. There are so many other parts of the country where they rulers are using force and power to demand and pressure the normal citizens and there are only so much that you can tolerate. If they are fuelling and building up the pressure in the volcano, it is inevitable that there will be an eruption'.

Rangoon and other areas

'This is the quiet moment but on the other hand it just means that it is accumulating and waiting for the next big public demostration', said people from Rangoon and around the country. After the most brutal crack down on the peacefully protesting monks and other civilians in September, the junta unwittingly fuelled the hatred and unhappiness among the public. Since then the country's economy and humanitarian situation have gone bad to worse and people are struggling so much, just to have daily meals, it will be difficult to avoid another public uprising', according to the people DVB managed to interviewed.

Where questioned if the country's affairs are now over, 90% replied that they are certain there will be many more coming up. 'It is not the fortune teller's prediction. It comes from people's hearts. It may have seemed gone quiet but it is a bit like a resting time after the running race. You entered one competion, you lost it, you went back to prepare and practice again, train hard again, when you are ready, you will enter another competion. We are just training hard to enter the next big race.' said one Rangoon resident.

Another resident from Karen state said,' It is like a boxing match. You may loose the first round but you need to regroup and recharge for the next round'.

'This is a Buddhist country. That was the worst thing anyone can even think of - killing the much loved and respected Buddhist monks. Only people who are blinded by greed and power can do this. The public has no weapon so they just have to suffer at the moment but by no means are they giving it up. All we can think of is how to get rid of this killer government.'

A public member from Mandalay, central Burma said,' We are just waiting for a good moment. We are not frightened. There are lots of volunteers to carry out the poster sticking job. This was done despite the top security control that they (the junta) arranged, well over 2 or 3 days before the VIP visit (referring to Than Shwe's visit to Pagan). It was just a proof that we are not afraid. We are all waiting for every little opportunity'.

For the original report please click here.

Severely Tortured Monk Too Ill To Be Allowed A Family Visit

U Inthariya, 28 has been tortured so severely that his physical and mental condition is too bad and the junta is not allowing anyone to see him, including the family. For full report please click here.

Three Hunger Strike Prisoners Were Placed In Solitary Confinement

December 21, 2007
Aye Nai, DVB

Ko Htin Kyaw, the leader of the fuel protest in August and two others - Ko Myo Thant aka John Northar and Ko Zin Lin Aung , who are on hunger strike, have been placed in solitary confinement, it was reported. They started the hunger strike while being detained in Insein Prison, to demand the release of all the arrested political prisoners and monks throughout the country.

All three were admitted to the prison's hospital at the begining of their protest, before being sent to the confinement. Their doggedness and determination to carry on with the hunger strike has attracted the much public interest, which created a huge turn out, including foreign diplomats, at the court hearings. The junta, who abhors any media interest and publicity about their conduct, decided to hold the trial inside the Insein prison instead, where it could be performed in private, on 26th December.

There has been no negotiation of the demand of the protesters until now, which is causing even more public concern and interest in the case.

To read the previous reports on this story please click here.
To read the original report please click here.

2 1/2 Years Imprisonment For Offering Water To Monks

December 21, 2007 DVB Thet Naing

Three civilians, Ko Shwe Thway, Ko Zaw Gyi and Ko Yazar, who had nothing to do with politics, were arrested and charged with incitement of offences against the state or public tranquility under section 505 (b) of the penal code, and also with defamation. The serious offence they committed was that they offered some drinking water to the protesting monks. more

'Thank You', But 'No, Thank You'

Mandalay monks decline junta offering
Dec 19, 2007 (DVB)�The majority of monks at Maha Gandhayon monastery, a lecturing monastery in Mandalay, refused to accept a food offering from minister for industry-1 Aung Thaung yesterday.

For full report by Aye Nai please click here.

Monasteries pass junta offerings to poor
Dec 7, 2007 (DVB)�Four monasteries in Pakokku, Magwe division, which received government food donations have passed the offerings on to the poor and refused to give blessings to the officials.

For full report by DVB Aye Nai please click here.

'Please Donate My Parcel To A Monk', The Detained Protest Leader Told Wife

When Ma Than Than Maw, the wife of the detained protest leader Ko Htin Kyaw, visited him in Insein prison hospital yesterday to give him a prison parcel (a small packet containing a few personal belongings and medicines), he refused. Instead, he asekd her to donate it to one of the monks.

Ko Htin Kyaw has been in detention since 25 August and began a hunger strike on 30 November, calling for the release of all political prisoners. Known for his straightforward manners and characters, the leader of the fuel protest in August, Ko Htin Kyaw has been a huge pain in the neck for the junta for causing too much public interest in his case as they are trying to charge him according to section 505(b) of the penal code, which forbids causing public alarm and inciting offences against the state or public tranquility and carries a maximum prison sentence of two years.

Also on hunger strike with Ko Htin Kyaw in Insein prison are Ko Myo Thant aka John Northar from Human Rights Promoters and Defenders Network and Zaw Lin Aung, a student from University of Rangoon.
more ....
Original source: DVB Aye Nai

Young Burmese Girls Sold To China As Child Brides

By Paul Vallely
Published: 19 December 2007
No one ever expected it to be the young girls of Burma who would become the unintended victims of the one-child birth control policy in China. But two decades on, children as young as 10 are being trafficked across the border from Burma into China as child brides. They are sold into a future of high uncertainty. more ...

Junta Avoids The Public Hearing Of The Protest Leader's Trial

Original source : DVB Aye Nai
Military junta, known for everything secret and dishonest behind the close doors and darkness, has decided to avoid the much publicised, high profile court case against the well respected fuel protest leader Ko Htin Kyaw as it is attracting too much of public attention, including the foreign diplomats. Instead, they have rearranged the more private hearing, in the security of the notorious Insein Prison, on a much later date, where no public members can attend. For full report please click here.

Taunggote Leads The Challenge

Orginal source - Aye Naing, DVB
December 13, 2007

When it comes to bravery, Taungote, a town in Rakine State is top of the world as it openly challenges the junta to make changes of the political situation in the country before the end of the year or face revolution.

Written warnings were distributed in five area of the town yesterday evening, with the noticeably increased numbers than the previous distributions, with some popular slogans saying,

'Please be prepared general public, as there are going to be more uprisings'

'The Battle Is On'

'Schizophrenic Than Shwe - Power Addict and Control Freak'

'Having Good Economy Is Our Right'

'We Want Democracy and Human Rights'

'Religion Destroying Government - Get Out!'

The main distribution area are; the jetty, the hospital entrance, Sri Maha Bodi Banyan Tree in town center, the old cinema and the evening market.

This courageous challenge is the first to be announced after the brutal crackdown of the monks and public protests in September, internationally known as 'The Saffron Revolution', when many hundreds people were killed and thousands thrown into prisons.

One observer in town said, ' This battle cry is the result of insulting the much loved religion of our country for thousands of years and also not making an effort to seriously discuss and settle the political matters with the country's formally elected leader Daw Aung San Su Kyi. Young people, who previously did not have interest in politics are now actively getting involved in this public's democracy movement, under the guidence of the Public Action Committee. I can see all the signs of the big public revolution, coming up, soon.'

Member Of Burmese Housewives Association Put On Trial

Original Source - Maung Htoo, DVB, December 14, 2007

Daw Khin Mar Cho, a member of Burmese Housewives Association (BWU), who was arrested on 24 August is due to appear before Pazundaung court today.

She was one of the 20 other members of the association, who were arrested after they staged a protests in front of Rangoon city hall. All the ladies were violently beaten by the government's security troops before being arrested during the fuel price protests.

They were being detained in several interrogation centres, where the health conditions were so poor and filthy that some of them don't even have toilets and the drinking water was so mucky they had to settle the sediments before drinking it.

All but three, including Daw Khin Mar Cho, have now been released. It is reported that she is not being charged for her involvement in the protests, but on separate issues.

A Message To Mr Pinheiro From The Patron Of BWU

I would like Mr Pinheiro to know that there are a lot of sick people like myself, still in the security units and prisons and could you please do anything in your power, as the UN's special envoy of human rights to Burma , to save, help and protect those who were sick in particular and also many other innocent people who were thrown into prison on the pretext of national stability. I would also like to appeal to the international communities to help protecting us from this serious human rights abuse.

Daw San San Myint
The patron
BWM (Burmese Housewives Association)
Original Source - DVB, Maung Htoo, Thailand
12 December 2007

Junta Kept Arrested Women In Security Units With No Toilets

12 December 2007
Original Source - DVB, Maung Htoo, Thailand

The patron of BWM (Burmese Housewives Association), Daw San San Myint, 62 said she and 20 other members, who were arrested violently while protesting in front of the Yangon City Hall on August 24 were kept in the military security units, where the health and safety conditions are highly dangerous and there was not even a single toilet.

'We were taken to Kyaikasan first, and within 3 days I contracted illnesss but there was no offer of any kind of treatment. By September 2, when we were sent to Hmaw Be Battalion 3, my entire body became swollen and I felt very weak. Both security units were extremely filthy and there was not even toilet in Hmaw Be unit. Health and safety standards were so low that people just fell sick. The only water that was available was the dirty mucky water and the staff settled the sediment and drain the clear top part to give us as drinking water.'

'My condition was deteriorating rapidly and I was so weak I could not get up. By the time I couldn't eat for 8 days and collapsed, I was sent home,' said Daw San San Myint .

Although she was released because of her worsening illness, the home visiting native doctor U Ko Thet, who was treating her, was threatened and warned by the local authority official that he was to be responsible if Daw San San Myint died. As a result, U Ko Thet stopped giving treatment.

At least there were 3 more housewives members of BWU, including Ma Khin Mar Cho still being arrested in the security units.

Daw San San Myint pleaded to everyone to help and support to protect and care for those who are still ibeing detained as the health and safety situation in those security units are one of the worst in the world and also when the prisoners were sick, they were not given professional treatment.

Nazis And Fascists? They Are Nothing. It is Junta Who Is The King Of Gun Rulers.

Last Modified: 12 Dec 2007
By: Channel 4 News
New pictures reveal the scale of Burma's brutal crackdown against anti-government protestors as the UN delivers its damning report.

For new footage from Burma's protest please click here.

Reports On Hunger Strike

Also on hunger strike in Insein Prison
Ko Myo Thant (a) John Northa, 40, an English teacher and member of HRDP Net Work
Zin Lin Aung, 19, a University student (full report by Aye Naing, DVB, Thailand)
Htin Kyaw continues hunger strike
Dec 12, 2007 (DVB)�Htin Kyaw, who has been detained since 25 August for his role in instigating fuel price protests that month, says he will continue his hunger strike until political prisoners are released. Full report ...
Htin Kyaw on hunger strike
Dec 6, 2007 (DVB)�Prominent activist Htin Kyaw has vowed to continue with a hunger strike to call for the release of political prisoners, even though his health is suffering. Full Report....

We Are Burmese And We Are Proud Of It

'We are Burmese and we are proud of it.' said U Myint Aye, the leader of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters network, in his significant and courageous speech in the event to mark the International Human Rights Day,on 10th December, Yangon.

'We are going through the darkest age of our country's history and that has been caused by the human rights violations . It is wrong to kill people, it is wrong to arrest people and throw them in prisons , it is wrong to say the country is in peace and it is wrong to say we win and we have a great success.'

'I do not believe that the country's constructive development structure could be built successfully in unity, harmony and peace if the people are so fearful and worried and the families torn apart.'

'I believe that our nation's success can only be brought on by implementing the human rights and equal opportunity laws.'

'This human rights abuse will be chronicled as the darkest period of our country's history and I feel that we are all responsible for it. This happened because we were naive and ignorant. This happened because we were unaware, uninformed and uneducated of the human rights. We must acknowledge our failure and weakness in this and we can therefore work hard on its improvement, development , growth and progress.'

'On this anniversary of the International Human Rights Day, I am grateful to say that we, Burmese (Myanmar), like any other nationality, can celebrate the event in honour of our country, our people, our government and our political parties and I am extremely proud of it.'

(Original source - Maung Htoo, DVB, Thailand)

International Human Rights Day Ceremony Held Under Junta's Microscope

Original Source - DVB's Maung Htoo, Thailand

On December 10, A meeting to mark the International Human Rights Day was held in Kyi' Myin Taing, Yangon, at the home of U Myint Aye's, the leader of the HRDP (Human Rights Defenders and Promoters). The meeting, held from 9:00 until 10:30 am, was attended by about 100 people, the members around the country, diplomats from the United States of America, some public members with interest in Human Rights as well as staff members of Sun Arr Shin (Power Rangers) - the government's public movement control officials.

'There was no arrest or interfering during the ceremony but , there had been warnings of prohibiting a few days earlier so the occasion was held at home instead of a public hall. The general atmosphere of the event was also anxious, worried and tense.' said one HRDP member.

' The four power ranger officials sat through the meeting peacefully, however there were more officials sitting in the 2 parked cars on the road and also other military intelligent officials on the motor bikes who watched and took photos of all the attendants. '

'It is a great shame that this honourable human achievement celebration had to be held in fear and worries. It is just the mirror reflection of our country's sad situation.'

HRDP issued a statement, asking the military government to respect human rights. Messages from Asian Human Rights Organisation and 1988 student generation were also read. Human Rights reports from Rakine, Zegone, Natalin, Yangon, Bogalay and Puthein townships were also presented by each delegate.

For full and original report please click here.

Survival Guides For The Junta's Wives - By Imelda Shwe

Do stay calm. When the realisation hits you, that you are married to one of the world's most notorious criminals, it must be a terrible shock for anyone. It must be even more horrible to have to go to bed with the killer, every night ! Just stay calm and do not panic. Do daily chores as normal and pretend you do not notice anything, especially the killing and torturing parts that he was involved, either ordering, organising, arranging or carrying it out himself.

Do not give your children the names that is connected to their father. It is a dead give away. Just imagine if you are called Kye' Mon Win, Khin San Yu, Thandar Shwe, Phyo Tay Za, etc,. and what happened when the individual sanction lists are published internationally ? Make sure you change their names to something completely different from their father's . For example, if your husband is called Col Kyaw Htun, call you son Aung Khant Thant Zaw and daughter Mar Lar Htoo Lwin.

Do send the children away, either to your parents' or other close relations. Explain to your husband that the schools are much better and the tuition fees are cheaper there. The less people know that the children are his, the better.

Do not send your children abroad, either to attend school or live. Even family members of 1988 Generals have been chased down like this. Also you don't want your kids doing this to feed the world's media and fuel the anger of the nation.

Do not keep the domestic helpers. They are witnesses and it is very likely that they will sell the story of their time with you, later, to the media, inside or around the world. Remember your husband is wanted and there are thousands of TVs, radios, magazines, newspapers who are willing to pay millions of dollars to anyone with the information of the junta and their families. So release them and do all the housework yourself. It will also save you and your family from being poisoned by the domestic helper.

Do not attend ceremonies, like weddings, funerals or birthday parties. There are spies everywhere and once your face is recorded, it will be a proof that you are connected to junta. Look what happened to the wedding videos on the youtube. Don't get carried away by a few minutes of pleasure, which you will then have to suffer for the rest of your life - a laughing stock of the world-wide audience.

Do change your hair styles often but do not go to the same hairdressers. Have different wigs. Wear glasses or sun glasses.

Do wear simple and neutral colour outfits. Never wear vibrant colours or flamboyant out fits. Only use a small black hand bag. Never wear high heeled shoes. It is important that you run to the safety in case of the violent protest, etc. so always wear flat or sporty foot wear.

Do use the public transport. It is too easy to spot you if you come in the most expensive looking chauffer driven car. If you use the taxi, walk to the next road first before you get one. When you come back, ask the driver to drop you at the place about a block away from your home. Make sure the taxi is gone first before you walk to your home.

Do look around before you open the door of your own home. Always make sure the back door is secure too.

Do not stay in the house which has more than 2 bedrooms and with a big compond. It will be too easy to be zoomed in by google earth. For example click here. The best is to stay in the middle range flat in a normal looking condominium, where nobody notices you unless you really don't mind your family home to be the entertainment of others, like this.

Do not wear any expensive jewellery. It was the biggest mistake that Thandar Shwe did in her wedding. You need to remember that not everyone is going to be very happy to see you rich, especially when they have nothing to eat and their children are dying of hunger. Remember French and Russian royals families were all killed by tbeir own people in the revolution.

Do buy gold but keep them with your family. If you have friends who live abroad, ask them to open a separate account for you. You can arrange the hondy and they can save the money for you.

Do not set up a family business either abroad or home, unless you want to be on these lists. Avoid investing in any share in businesses like these as they are black listed. They could be either sanctioned or destroyed during the revolution.

Do avoid sleeping with your husband. He will probably try to use you as a source of stress lease, especially after the major operations like smashing all the monks' heads of the entire monastery or burying a truck full of people who were still alive, in the middle of the forest at night. Try to use the normal excuses like headache, etc. but the best is to tell him that you have cervical cancer and move to a separate room.

Do not make contact with his family. After all, it was them who produced him - a murderer.

Do tell your parents and family members about what you husband was doing. If you have close friends tell them too. It is your security that your family knows your situation and be ready to save you if necessary, in emergency. Once a killer, he will be very likely to strike again and if he thinks you are in his way, you life is very much in danger. (that's why it is the best to move the kids to the safety a.s.a.p)

Do try to keep your husband calm. This will help you to create a peaceful atmosphere at home for both of you. Use any antidepressant like Prozac ,Paxil and Zoloft, etc,. You can either tell him he needs them or just put them in his meals and drinks regularly if he refuses to take them.

Do study the routes to the borders, either Thailand or India.

Do ring the UN emergency 24 hour hotline number 01 554 597 or 01 554 625 if you believe your life is in great danger. .

Please Respect SPDC's Generosity

The most successful magician couldn't have done a better trick,
Look! Everyone ! We have just released,
All those people who had been in custody,
Eight thousand prisoners altogether,
No other government could have been kinder,
Or shown greater generosity.

All the ones who were serving long or short terms,
Murderers, rapists, thugs and hooligans,
Robbers , pickpockets, louts and conmen,
Fraudsters, swindlers, yobs and thieves,
You name them, we release them,
Just to prove our kindness and amnesty.

But not those who shouted out 'Dout-A-Yei' so loudly,
Or somethings like, 'freedom' and 'democracy',
Oh, No, they will all have to serve the life sentence.
We can't release them, we just can't do that,
Because it was clearly their own choice,
To stay just there,right inside.

How about earning a little favour from the Kingdom of Thailand !
Here you go, all those Thai prisoners,
Only just remember , our friend and ally,
Natural gas buyer, our biggest customer,
To kick back all those refugee beggars,
Who seem to be enjoying freedom at the border.

Oh Gosh! Yes, we do release the political prisoners too,
And the numbers are adding up to the big TWENTY, in grand total,
Just try to see how generously we do,
Goodness ! Oh, No Way !
We do not keep some pregnant ladies in jail !
That's how we show our tender love and care.
The true gentlemanlike behaviour,
Which should be officially declared.

How about the old disabled father of that monk?
Well, if we don't release him, we could be given sticks, that's for sure, ha, ha ...
Ah... Let us count quite accurately,
One, two, three, four ...hmm .. altogether it is around 0.23% , you see?
Not bad, huh ...that means ,
Two people could be released, out of a thousand, exactly.

What happened to those eight thousands released criminals?
Sure, we look after them well.
In deed, being such an honourable government,
We can't stand the unemployment.
So , here is our little scheme,
Come fill the foms for the job vacancies.
Job Title : Power Ranger,
Salary : Handsomely paid in US dollars,
Duty : Easy ! Just smash the monks' heads, who happen to be stupid walkers.

Quite certainly and most definitely,
We do need to fill the empty cells of those prisons immediately,
Why, we now have all those power rangers to take our orders,
Just get those who keep shouting 'basic human rights and freedom',
Damn bloody marchers !
As if there's nothing better to do,
Some monks' prayers for the country's peace and stability !
What the hell are they talking about?
All of them must be bloody fools.

Get everyone who dares to offer water to those parading monks,
Not to forget those who released the fish,
Or anyone who gathered for political rubbish,
Any idiot with a piece of scrap paper in hand,
Techno maniacs with mobile phones or an internet access,
And a video cam.

Just go and kick open all those front doors,
Grab anyone who wrote down anything which includes the words ' Aung' and ' San',
There is no need of the arrest paper, called 'warrant',
You do not need it , if those dimwits are watching or listening to the liars' programme,
BBC, DVB, VOA or anything that could be so stupid.
And don't forget to get those bitches,
Who watch the YOUTUBE's greatest gossip,
How dare they even try to look at ,
Those stolen diamonds of our number one's favourite kid.

Go on, stuff all those animals in prison, and be quick,
How dare they think they could even dream of the treason!
Just give them some bloody good lessons,
So as to teach others, never repeating.
Do they think we call ourselves SPDC/Junta for nothing?
All these chest medals we are wearing,
Were given to us by the man himself, the devil king,
To commemorate our work,
Which has been so outstanding.

Oh, Yes, we have also done the training in acting,
Which we passed with colours and they are all flying,
If you really want to be the world's famous leaders,
You do need to look pretty cheerful , kind and generous ,
Just like the Hollywood actors.

We will have to go to hell for doing this?
What nonsense!
To be frank, hell is a long way after your death,
And while we are just here, right now,
It is far more important ,
To be wealthy and powerful at present.

We just say Pooh! Pooh!,
To the word 'embarrassment' too,
There is nothing to be ashamed of,
Providing we can be imperious and well-off.
There is never a bone in the tongue,
So when that boneless tongue has a lttle slip,
A flea could easily become a tortoise,
And a nuclear reactor might well be a cooking pot,
Believe it or not.

Just go butcher all those monks, young and old,
Students? Just stuff them all in the cells,
And don't worry about separating male, female things.
Senior or junior, as long as they call themselves politicians,
Just stick them all in.
NLD loves prisons anyway,
Insein jail is their biggest branch , didn't you know?
8888 students seem to be quite attached to that torture chamber too,
What a lot of weird souls !

Hmm... Let us do a bit of calculation,
Eight thousands out, so if we just squash all that hundred thousands back in,
Oh yeh, there will be just enough room for that.
And please do go and visit them there , UN inspector or whatever,
Look this is what we offer them,
A mouth watering rice and curry.
Don't forget to look at all those shiny brand-new kitchen utensils too,
Just make a little note that we provide them with the best possible facilities.

What happened after the inspection?
Uh.. Well.. the thing is, , that cooking oil container seemed to have run away,
Where ? Oh just to the prison official's kitchen, wasn't it so funny?
Sorry, pardon me, but did you say, the prisoners look all very thin?
Haven't you heard that it is fashionable to be slim and trim?
Oh, Help! Our Hell King!
We are just trying to do the best for them,
And all that we've ever got is complaints, and criticisms.
Why don't you sometimes practice your human rights study,
And learn to appreciate our benevolent kindness and compassionate mercy?

There is a leak only because the roof has a hole !
If we must tell you the truth,
Actually, yeh, we made that ginormous hole up in the roof,
With the hope that it would provide us with the continuous rain water,
And guess what ?
It's worked so well that we never want to move.

Looking like the most sinuous and complex network of passages,
However there are only a few directions to reach the destination,
To consolidate this long surviving military empire's sovereignty,
There has to be utmost defence and the extreme protection,
With the greatest possible prevention.

Ignore if the entire country is being destroyed,
Nevermind if its relegion is annihilated and ruined,
We don't care if our grand children will not be able to enter the monkhood as tradition,
We don't even give it a s_ _ t,
If nobody comes to our funerals and no monks there to perform the blessings and prayers service,
As long as we are powerful, puissant, prevalent and rich.

Ma Thadar (04.12.2007)

(Translated by Nay Chi U)

Pregnant Lady spent 74 Days In Jail For Offering Monks A Drink

Miss May Mie Oo, the lady who is 5 months pregnant has been released from the Insein prison on 2nd December. She was arrested from her home at midnight on 19th September for offering a bottle of drinking water to the monks. More ..

Junta Charges Monks' Leader With Treason

Monday, 3 December 2007, 9:24 am
Press Release: Terry Evans , Scoop Politics

The leader of the All-Burma Monks Alliance (ABMA) has been arrested and charged with treason for his role in the September pro-democracy demonstrations. Treason is a capital crime in Burma. If convicted and executed, 27 year-old U Gambira would be the first monk to be put to death in Burma since the British colonial rulers hanged a monk who lead a rebellion 70 years ago.

U Gambira was instrumental in getting tens of thousands of monks onto the streets in peaceful protests during September. The anti-regime demonstrations, which began over the peoples' agitation against the fuel price hike in mid-August, came to an abrupt end after a brutal crackdown by the junta.

By the end of September the monks' leader went in hiding, and in an attempt to force U Gambira out into the open the generals resorted to hostage taking by arresting several members of his family. This tactic worked and during November the peaceful protest leader was captured.

Since U Gambira's arrest his exact whereabouts remain unconfirmed officially. However reliable reports indicate that he is being kept in Cell Block 1 at Insein Prison in Rangoon. Cell Block 1 is notorious as the junta's main interrogation centre for political prisoners.

Just prior to his arrest U Gambira asked for following statement to be released:

"To Buddhists all over the world and activists and supporters of Burmese movement, please help to liberate the Burmese people from this disastrous and wicked system. To the many people of the world who are sympathetic to the suffering of the Burmese people, please help us to be free from this evil system. Good people in Burma are being killed or imprisoned, tortured, and then sent to forced labour camps. I sincerely ask the international community to do something to stop these atrocities. My chances of survival are very slim now. But I have not given up hope, and will try my best.”
ENDS
U Gambira is the pseudonym of a leader of the All-Burma Monks Alliance.

Twinkle,Twinkle, Burma Stars

Twinkle, twinkle, Burma stars,
How we wonder who you were!
Could you be our close relations, or a son-in-law of a distant cousin?
Lover of a classmate or brother-in-law of a colleague,
Or a niece of the betelnut seller who lives up the street?

Twinkle, twinkle, Burma stars,
How we wonder how you were!
Were you the ones that looked happy and active,
Or were you feeling sad and timid?
Were you the ones who looked serious and worried,
Or were you satisfied that you sacrificed for others' benefit?

Twinkle, twinkle, Burma stars,
How we wonder how you suffered !
With your brains scattered and your heads chopped open,
With your rooms covered in blood and your bodies burnt and swollen,
May you now please rest in peace,
With your sparkling power and the shining heat.

Twinkle, twinkle, Burma stars,
In case you are wondering how things are!
There is still a struggle with strenuous exertion,
The fighting is still on with damnedest repelling.
Not only that your heroically gallant actions have inspired the nation,
But it's also fuelled dogged determination,
To conquer junta's terrorism.
So ..please keep on sparkling with your shining smile,
For you are now your beloved country's endless pride.

(The original Poem ' To Little Stars .... With Endless Pride' was written by Ma Thadar, a tribute to honour our heroic martyrs who were killed brutally in the Golden Colour Revolution, September 2007 . Interpreted as appropriate by Nay Chi U, with respect and thanks)