Better to Light a Candle than Curse the Darkness

Senior General Than Shwe
Chairman
State Peace and Development Council
c/o Ministry of Defense
Naypyitaw
Union of Myanmar




Re: Urgent Appeal on Behalf of U WIN TIN


Dear Senior General,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I am sure that you know who U Win Tin is as well as the fact that he is the longest held political prisoner in Myanmar. Confined at Insein Prison, he is now 78 years old and needs urgent medical attention. Among the conditions from which he suffers are severe asthma attacks, other lung problems, heart disease and inflammation of the joints of the spine which is a very painful condition. Additionally, he has had difficulties breathing and eating due to the worsening of his health.

Although U Win Tin has been allowed to see a doctor, he is not receiving the level of medical care he needs. Because of his age his asthma and lung problems are likely to be serious, even life threatening.

I respectfully request, therefore, that the authorities responsible for the custody and care of U Win Tin, see to it that he is provided with all necessary medical treatment immediately. In addition, since he is in prison solely for the peaceful expression of his political views, he should be unconditionally released as soon as he has received the medical treatment he needs.

Until his release he should be allowed access to a lawyer of his own choosing as well as to his family members.

Furthermore, all detainees should be treated humanely and never subjected at any time to torture or ill treatment.

Sincerely yours,



Cc: U Myint Lwin,
Charge D' Affaires Ad Interim
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar
2300 S Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 2008