Mon political prisoner transferred from Insein to Tharawaddy Prison

Tue 16 Dec 2008, IMNA

At least one Mon political prisoner has been transferred to Tharawaddy Prison, in Pegu Division, says a source close to the family.

Nai Cheem Gakao, 42, who is serving out a life sentence, was transferred to Tharawaddy from Insein Prison in Rangoon Division on November 30th, said a source close to the family. His new location, about 100 kilometers north of Rangoon, will make it difficult for his family to visit him, the source added.

Prisoners in Burma are typically allowed visits from family only once every two months, but they are a crucial contact with the outside world and help lessen the hellacious living conditions inside the prison. “It is important to meet with family to exchange news and tell about daily life in prison,” a former political prisoner told IMNA. “As a prisoner, you worry about your family, their life and their survival.”

According to the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners – Burma (AAPP-B), Burma’s military government has transferred at least 150 political prisoners, many to remote locations in far northern Burma, since November.

“The government is intentionally moving the political prisoners to avoid focus from the international community and contact with their families,” AAPP-B Joint Secretary Bo Kyi told IMNA over the phone.

Nai Cheem Gakao was serving his sentence in Insein along with Nai Yekha, although whether Nai Yekha was also transferred could not be confirmed by IMNA. The two were accused of plotting to bomb the Martyr’s Mausoleum in Rangoon on July 19th, 2003. According to a source close to the prisoners, the two were tortured until they signed affidavits confessing their guilt.

July 19th is a national holiday known as “Martyr’s Day,” which commemorates the day General Aung San, the godfather of Burma’s independence, was assassinated along with his cabinet. Many military officers, as well as civilians, visit the Mausoleum on Martyr’s Day to pay their respects.

Nai Cheem Gakao and Nai Yekha have been serving out a life sentence since 2003. They were initially sentenced to death, but they were able to reduce their sentence on appeal.

The two were arrested along with Nai Shwe Marn and Nai Than Tun. Nai Shwe Marn was also sentenced to death in 2003, but was able to win his release in April 2005 after the International Labor Organization pressured the junta on his behalf. Nai Than Tun was released three and a half months after his initial arrest.