Four NLD Members Arrested

Four members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) opposition party were arrested this month, as exiled human rights groups continue to call for the release of all political prisoners.

Kyi Lwin, in his 50s, a NLD member from South Dagon Myothit Township, was arrested by local authorities on Monday, said NLD spokesperson Nyan Win.

“He is in poor health, and he has been paralyzed,” said Nyan Win. 
 

A Burmese activist lights candles during Human Rights Day in Bangkok March 13. The global signature campaign aims to get 888,888 signatures, to demand for the release of all political prisoners, before May 24, 2009 when Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest will end. (Photo: Reuters)

Myint Myint San (also known as Ma Cho), a leading member of the Social Supporting Committee of the NLD, was also arrested on Friday, according to the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners—Burma (AAPP).

Ma Cho worked in the support of political prisoners, said Aung Kyaw Oo of the AAPP. 

“Most of the support was money and medicine so political prisoners’ families could visit prisons,” said Aung Kyaw Oo, who himself served 14 years in prison. 

Two NLD members, Sein Hlaing of Sanchaung Township and Shwe Gyoe of Hlaing Township, were arrested on March 6. Details of their arrest and where they are detained are not known.

Shwe Gyoe was the father-in-law of Aung Hlaing Win, who died in detention in 2005 during interrogation by Burmese military intelligence operatives.

The NLD established the SSC in 1995 to assist political prisoners across the country by providing them with basic materials such as soap, eating utensils, prison uniforms and towels.

In 1996, the SSC was temporarily suspended by the military regime, but it subsequently resumed its activities.

Meanwhile, the Free Burma’s Political Prisoners Now campaign committee, organized by the AAPP and the Forum for Democracy in Burma, lunched a global signature campaign on March 13 to mark Burmese Human Rights Day.