Seriously
ill opposition activist released from detention in Burma with five
other detainees
Aye
Tha Aung, leader of the Arakan League for Democracy in Burma, was
released from detention today after serving two years of a 21-year
sentence.
He told the 大象传媒 Burmese Section that he probably only has a few
months to live but will continue to work for democracy and human
rights.
Aye Tha Aung is seriously ill with lung cancer and undergoing an
operation on Monday 19 August.
Speaking in an interview on the 大象传媒 Burmese Section, Aye Tha Aung
said:
"The doctor said I would live only six months if I did not
undergo an operation.
"However, even if I do undergo an operation and if I am lucky
there is a chance to live for another five years."
He added:
"The authorities released me because my health was deteriorating
and they feared that without a proper medical treatment I could
die in the prison.
"The authorities refused to give me a proper medical treatment
and only transferred me to the hospital's prison ward when I became
very ill."
Five other detainees were also released today. They are members
of the National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
