IMPRISONED MON LEADER’S HEALTH WORSENS ( Kao-Wao ) February 10, 2003

IMPRISONED MON LEADER’S HEALTH WORSENS

(Kao-Wao, February 10, 2003)

The health of Mon political prisoners in Moulmein prison worsens while being denied treatment by prison authorities.

Spokesperson for the Mon National Democratic Front (MNDF), reported that Nai Ngwe Thein, the senior leader and vice president of the Mon National Democratic Front, was having dental and urinary tract problems. A prison doctor suggested he be taken to a proper clinic outside the prison as the prison has insufficient laboratory instruments to treat his condition inside the jail. But prison authorities turned down the request.

According to a MNDF source from Mawlamyine, his family can visit every two weeks but must speak in Burmese in the presence of a MI No. 5 (Mon State based Military Intelligence), a source close to the leader's family said.

The Mon National Democratic Front leaders Nai Tun Thein, Nai Ngwe Thein, Dr. Min Kyi Win, and Dr. Min Soe Lin were arrested in 1998 for urging the armed New Mon State Party (NMSP) to reconsider its position on its cease-fire agreement with the SPDC military junta and for supporting the Committee Representing People's Parliament (CRPP). Nai Tun Thein, the Chairman of MNDF was later released and put under house arrest due to his age and poor health. The remaining three leaders were sentenced to seven years imprisonment with hard labour, serving their term at the Moulmein Prison, Mon State.

“While some political prisoners have been released due to international pressure, the voices of Mon and other ethnic leaders at the hand of the dictatorship continue to be silenced, facing long prison terms and torture. Ethnic leaders who have fought the Burmese army for invading their homeland for decades are, according to the Burmese government officials, " terrorists " and will not be released” said, Nai Pong, the leader of MNDF in exile.