Than Lwin, a Member of Parliament has lost sight in one of his eyes at the detention camp in Mandalay, a family member said. He was elected in the last general election in 1990 from Mattaya Township in central Burma.
Daw Khin Thi, wife of Than Lwin, arrested in June 2007 and detained at Ohbo prison in Mandalay, said she found her husband loosing sight in one of his eyes when authorities on Wednesday permitted her to meet him.
"Right now he is no longer complaining of pain in the eye. But he said his ear, nose and eyebrows are aching. He has totally lost sight in one of his eyes," Daw Khin Thi told Mizzima.
On June 15, 2007, Than Lwin, while returning from a prayer session for the release of Burmese opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, was punched on the face by an unidentified person.
Reportedly, his nose was broken and one of his eyes was severely injured. However, even as he went for medical attention authorities arrested him for allegedly attacking a government office.
"He was arrested while applying medication on the wounds from the punch he received last year. So his injuries may have become worse in the prison," Daw Khin Thi added.
Following his arrest, authorities permitted his family members to meet him thrice.
Daw Khin Thi said, she has requested the authorities to allow him an emergency operation of his eyes. However, authorities said that 'we will forward the request to higher authorities'.
