Friday 4 July 2008

‘Vote No’ activists appear in court

Jul 3, 2008 (DVB)–Two National League for Democracy members who were detained for allegedly campaigning against the regime’s draft constitution in the run-up to the 10 May referendum have appeared in court.

The activists’ families had not been notified of the date of the hearing.

Thiha, a member of New Dagon NLD, said that his fellow party members U Tin Win and deputy youth leader Nyi Nyi Min had attended a court hearing but he had not known about it until he was told by a friend who saw them in court.

Both activists were arrested for wearing T-shirts with a ‘No’ symbol on them during the Thingyan water festival in April this year.

“U Tin Win didn’t wear a ‘No’ shirt during Thingyan though. He only wore a shirt which said ‘National Reconciliation’. I am not sure why he was arrested,” said Thiha.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 80 activists were arrested across the country for participating in the ‘Vote No’ campaign. Most of those detained are still behind bars.

Reporting by Khin Hnin Htet

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