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88 leaders warn Suu Kyi against trusting government
Irrawaddy - August 31, 2011
The 88 Generation Students group leaders Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kywe, now in their late 40s, are serving 65-year sentences in different prisons for their involvement in peaceful anti-government protests in 2007.
The message from Htay Kywe was relayed by his brother-in-law Phyo Min Thein, who spoke to The Irrawaddy on Wednesday after a two-day family visit to remote Buthitaung Prison in Arakan State.
"[Htay Kywe] said Aung San Suu Kyi is a leader who can decide rightly for herself and provide leadership to others, so he urged all of the democratic force to support her so she can carry out her actions smoothly," said Phyo Min Thein.
Buthitaung Prison is notorious for its harsh treatment of political prisoners and its bitterly cold weather. Htay Kywe's health is currently suffering as a result of his imprisonment, added Phyo Min Thein.
Htay Kywe was first arrested in 1991 and incarcerated in Rangoon's notorious Insein Prison for 15 years. He was transferred to Tharrawaddy Prison in 1995 and finished his jail term in July 2001. But he was continually detained by authorities under the Protection of the State from Threat Act (10 A), which allows military authorities the right to detain suspects arbitrarily.
After his release, Htay Kywe co-founded the 88 Generation Students group along with Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Min Zeya and Pyone Cho. From 2005 to 2007, the group conducted several non-violent campaigns, including visits to political prisoners' homes and holding Buddhist ceremonies at Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon to commemorate prisoners of conscience.
Ko Ko Gyi, another leader of 88 Generation Students group, said the current dialogue is the first step for Suu Kyi to find a peaceful transition to democracy and achieve national reconciliation. "One thing Suu Kyi should be cautious about is the other side misusing her benevolence," said a source closed to Ko Ko Gyi.
Htay Kywe, Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Pyone Cho (aka Htay Win Aung), Mya Aye, Htay Kywe, Hla Myo Naung, Aung Thu, Nyan Lin and Aung Naing (aka Myo Aung Naing) were each sentenced on Nov. 11, 2007, at a court session in Maubin, southwest of Rangoon, to 65 years in prison for their roles in the anti-government uprising of 2007.
Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi were transferred to Kengtung and Mong Sat Prison in Shan State, northeast of Rangoon; Mya Aye was transferred to Loikaw Prison in Karenni State, eastern Burma; and Pyone Cho was transferred to Kawthaung Prison in Tenasserim Division in southern Burma.
Hla Myo Naung was transferred to Myitkyina Prison in Kachin State, 900 miles (1,440 km) north of Rangoon; Aung Thu was transferred to Putao Prison in Kachin State; and Aung Naing was transferred to Kalaymyo Prison in Sagaing Division, 680 miles (1,088 km) north of Rangoon.
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