AP News, July 2nd, 2007
Phyu Phyu Thin, an AIDS activist and opposition party member in Myanmar who was taken into custody by police more than a month ago, has been freed from detention, she said Monday.
The 36-year-old woman is a member of Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, Myanmar's main opposition party, which faces constant harassment from the military government.
Phyu Phyu Thin said she was held at a detention center in the capital, Yangon, after being taken into custody May 21. She said she was freed Monday night.
She was not formally charged with any crime, Phyu Phyu Thin added. She was taken from her home after marching in processions to pray for the release of Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest.
Several dozen other Suu Kyi sympathizers were arrested with Phyu Phyu Thin and were released June 27. Phyu Phyu Thin said she did not know why she was held longer.
There was no statement from Myanmar officials, who rarely announce the detention or release of prisoners.
Phyu Phyu Thin has been caring for HIV/AIDS patients since 2002. She counsels them, sends them to clinics and helps them find places to stay if they are from places outside Yangon.
"I am fine and I will meet my patients tomorrow," said Phyu Phyu Thin.
She said she refused to eat food for about a week while in detention, leaving her weak from a liquid diet.
"I staged the hunger strike demanding to know why we were arrested without charges. I demanded to know on what grounds we were detained and if we were accused of breaking any law," she said.
Phyu Phyu Thin thanked those who had sought her release. "Efforts and pressure by all parties, including the international community, are always very important," she said.
The U.S. State Department last week expressed concern about Phyu Phyu Thin.
"The United States expects the Burmese military regime to provide her with appropriate and humane medical attention. The United States calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Phyu Phyu Thin," the State Department said.
Myanmar used to be known as Burma, a name that continues to be used by parties who feel its military government lacks legitimacy.
Suu Kyi's party won a 1990 election, but the ruling generals refused to let it take power. She has spent almost 12 of the past 18 years in detention.
