Imediate Release 20, March, 2006

A former political prisoner named Ko Thet Naing Oo (aka) Pyar Laung who was released from the notorious Tharawaddy Jail was beaten to death by members of the police and fire fighters in Rangoon about 9 pm, on 17 March, 2006.

The SPDC not only revealed and took action on those who beat Ko Thet Naing Oo to death, but also arrested two persons, namely Ko Win Myint and Ko Khin Maung Zaw, under Act – 333, for allegedly obstructing government officials on duty. Those detained by section 333 were friends of Ko Thet Naing Oo and witnesses to that incident.

Ko Thet Naing Oo was actively involved in the 1988 nationwide pro-democracy uprising and subsequently joined the armed student group, the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF) and the Alliance for Solidarity, Democracy and Unity in Burma. On 17, April 1998, he went back to Burma. That same year, he was captured by the authorities and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the western district court of Rangoon, because he participated in compiling a thesis about the economic problems of Burma. He was then released from prison on 21, November 2002.

The authorities arbitrarily use their power to torture and to repress political activists and the people of Burma. Thus they openly and freely break laws imposed upon themselves.

(AAPP) strongly denounces and demands from the SPDC the following:

1) To reveal and take action on those who are the responsible persons concerning this incident.
2) To apologize and pay compensation to his family.
3) To release Ko Win Myint and Ko Khin Maung Zaw who were friends of Ko Thet Naing Oo and witnesses at that incident.
4) To deter these cruel and brutal actions effectively.
5) Not to commit any action that threatens people's wealth, life and security.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoner Burma (AAPP) urges international communities to strongly denounce and deter these actions committed by the SPDC.

Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma)

for more information: Ko Tate Naing (66)-1-287-8751
Ko Bo Kyi (1)-202-375-0022