Burma Releases Dozens Of Democracy Activists
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
RANGOON, Burma — Burma’s military regime has released dozens of activists detained last month after marching for the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the opposition confirmed yesterday.
At least 47 of the 52 who were arrested in separate incidents in May were freed, Myint Thein, a spokesman for Ms. Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party, said in a telephone interview.
“Authorities released the prayer vigil campaigners last night, but we are concerned about Phyu Phyu Thin who has not yet been released,” Mr. Myint Thein said. Phyu Phyu Thin, an AIDS activist from Ms. Suu Kyi’s NLD party, was taken from her home on May 21 for questioning by police. She recently went on a hunger strike and was reportedly not well.
Ms. Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest, has been held continuously since May 30, 2003, when a pro-junta mob attacked her motorcade during a political tour of northern Burma. She has spent more than 11 of the past 18 years in detention.
