Detained activists transferred to regional prisons

Nov 25, 2008 (DVB)–At least 20 political prisoners were transferred to regional prisons yesterday, according to family members, while relatives of two 88 generation students are still trying to find out where they are being held.

Among those transferred were Tun Tun Naing, who was sent to Meikhtila prison in Mandalay division, Than Tun (also known as Shell Ko), who was transferred to Bamaw prison in Kachin state and U Thattama (also known as Thet Zaw), who was sent to Myingyan prison in Mandalay division.

Ye Myat Hein of the 2007 Generation Students was sent to Kalay prison in Sagaing division and Zin Linn Aung to Paungde jail in Bago division, according to family members.

The relatives of two of the nine 88 generation student leaders who were sent to remote prisons last week are still trying to establish were they are being held.

Family members of Ko Ko Gyi and Than Tin (also known as Gyi Than) made enquiries at the prisons where the activists had been sent, but prison authorities said they were not there.

Ko Ko Gyi was said to have been transferred to Mai Sat prison near the Thai-Burma border, but his younger brother Aung Tun said the family had not been able to confirm this.

"I heard that he and Min Ko Naing were transferred to Keng Tung jail from Insein,” Aung Tan said.

“It is said that Min Ko Naing is in Keng Tung. I am not sure where my brother is,” he said.

“I heard he has gone on to Mai Sat. There are also rumours that he is in Arakan state."

The family of Than Tin, who was reportedly sent to Sittwe prison, have also been unable to confirm his whereabouts, as have the family of labour rights activist Su Su Nwe, who was reportedly sent to Kalay prison.

Reporting by Phone Min Naing