Detained Ethnic Leaders Denied Outside Medical Aid

Detained ethnic Shan leaders are being denied medical treatment from outside for serious health problems, according to the Shan National League for Democracy.

Hkun Htun Oo

SNLD spokesman Sai Lek told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that prison authorities had rejected or ignored requests by the families of SNLD chairman Hkun Htun Oo and SNLD member Sai Hla Aung for medical attention from outside.

Hkun Htun Oo suffers from prostate problems, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Sai Hla Aung has a hyperthyroid condition, diabetes and heart disease.

They were arrested in February 2005, together with SNLD General-Secretary Sai Nyunt Lwin, Shan State Peace Council President Maj-Gen Sao Hso Ten and Shan politician Shwe Ohn, who was later released. They were arrested days before a resumed session of the National Convention opposed by Shan leaders.

Hkun Htun Oo was sentenced to 92 years imprisonment and is detained in Putao prison, Kachin State. Sai Nyunt Lwin received a 75 year sentence and is in Kalay prison, Sagaing Division.

Sao Hso Ten was sentenced to a total of 106 years imprisonment and is in Hkamti prison, Sagaing Division. Sai Hla Aung received a sentence of 75 years and is in Kyauk Pyu prison, Arakan State.

Meanwhile, arrests of National League for Democracy members continue. NLD spokesman Nyan Win said five members of the NLD youth wing had been arrested between Burma Independence Day on January 4 and January 6. No reason has yet been given for the arrests.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), based in neighboring Thailand, there are more than 1,400 political prisoners in Burma.