Detained activists transferred after sentencing

Nov 28, 2008 (DVB)–The ongoing transfers of activists have caused confusion among family members hoping to visit their relatives, while the regime continues to sentence further activists to lengthy jail terms.

Teza Soe, Tun Min Aung and Tin Min Sein from the Akaungzon Mye Awzar group were jailed for 13 years on Tuesday by Sanchaung township court, according to a local resident who attended the hearing.

88 generation student leader Hla Myo Naung, who was transferred to Kachin state's Myitkyina prison on 22 November, was put in solitary confinement when he arrived and no one has been allowed to see him, according to a source close to the prison.

Another 88 generation student leader, Aung Thu, has been transferred to northern Kachin state's Pu-tao prison from Myitkyina along with two other activists Bo Bo Win Hlaing and Myat San.

The family of 88 generation student leader Ko Ko Gyi is still trying to find out where he is being held, his younger brother Aung Htun said.

Aung Htun said he had called Mong Hsat prison, where the activist was reported to have been transferred, but prison officials refused to give him any information.

Five more activists were also transferred from Insein prison on Wednesday.

Thein Swe, who was sentenced to six and a half years’ imprisonment on 17 November, was sent to Sittwe prison in Arakan state from Insein.

Thein Swe’s father Min Swe said he was not told about the transfer until he went to Insein prison to ask about his son.

All Burma Federation of Student Unions leader Si Thu Maung was also transferred to Sittwe prison after being sentenced to 11 and a half years on the same day as Thein Swe.

U Sanda Thiri and U Kovida were taken from Insein to Buthidaung prison, while NLD member Htar Htar Thet was sent to Bago prison.

U Eindaka, abbot of Maggin monastery, and monk U Panna Wuntha of Shwedaung monastery in Pazundaung have also reportedly been transferred to Lashio and Sittwe prisons respectively.

Reporting by Nan Kham Kaew