Two Opposition Leaders Released After Traumatic Interrogation

by Htein Linn

Thursday, 17 January 2008 00:00

Harassment of the opposition in Burma continues after the 'Saffron Revolution' with no signs of a let up. Opposition party members are being arrested and interrogated under traumatic conditions. The junta authorities released two opposition party members in central Burma after detaining and interrogating them for two days in a camp in Mandalay city, the country's second largest city. The two leaders were blindfolded, handcuffed and made to stand continuously for 48 hours while rigorous questioning was on. Maung Soe, vice chairman of the National League for Democracy of Taungdwin Gyi Township in Magwe division, and the township's secretary Par Lay were picked up from their residence on January 14, but were released two days later on Wednesday. A source close to the family of the arrested NLD leaders told Mizzima that the two were made to stand continuously for two days without their handcuffs being opened and interrogated. "Though there was no physical assault, they were ill-treated and were made to stand for two whole days with blindfolds," the source added. The two, blindfolded and handcuffed, were sent back home on Wednesday morning, the source added. "The handcuffs and blindfolds were removed only when they arrived home. Since the two of them are both over 50 years old and are suffering from high blood pressure and other diseases, they were totally exhausted," the source said. While under arrest, the two NLD leaders were taken to Mandalay city. The authorities mainly questioned them about the recent distribution of pamphlets, which said detained Burmese pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was being given food poison. They were also interrogated about the visit by a US embassy official to Taungdwin Gyi town. Authorities also warned the two leaders from talking to the media about their arrest and were made to sign a pledge, added the source. < Prev   Next >