Taunggok protestors released

Sep 05, 2007 (DVB)—Ko Sithu and Ko Than Lwin, who were arrested after staging a protest over high fuel prices in Taunggok last Friday, were released at about 6am this morning.

Taunggok National League for Democracy's secretary U Khin Hla told DVB today that the two men were in good health.

“The authorities asked them to sign an agreement not to protest again in the future but they both refused,” U Khin Hla said.

Ko Sithu told DVB that he and Ko Than Lwin were held by the authorities in a government guest house but were not interrogated or badly treated by officials.

“We were treated and fed well,” Ko Situ said.

He said that he protested because his family was struggling financially as a result of high fuel and commodity prices and because he had the right to protest peacefully.

“I’m a member of one of many families who are facing poverty. Everyone else in my community is facing the same problems. It was my decision to protest,” Ko Sithu said.

Reporting by Aye Naing