Khin Zaw Win

Expires: 3 July 2009

Details of arrest: Arrested at Yangon airport as he prepared to leave for Singapore. Accused of carrying documents relating to the Burmese opposition movement. Also contact with other dissidents, Daw San San Nwe, U Khin Maung Swe and U Sein Hla Oo (see below). The group is said to have made contact with foreign diplomats and journalists and sent "news comments against or critical of the government" to them (see San San Nwe).

Details of trial: 6 October 1994, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by a civil court at Insein Prison for offences under the Emergency Provisions Act (spreading false news), the Unlawful Associations Act (membership or contact with illegal organisations) and the Official Secrets Act (possession of secret official information). Also accused of having made arrangements to send "fabricated news" to UN Special Rapporteur Yozo Yokota.

Professional details: Usually resident in Singapore at time of arrest where he was due to start a Masters degree in Public Policy. Was visiting Burma, his country of origin, as part of his research.

Place of detention: Myitkyina Prison, Kachin State

Treatment in Prison: Reportedly among a group of political prisoners ill-treated following the discovery of a protest letter addressed to the UN in November 1995. Also said to have been refused family visits since May 2002.

Honorary member of: English PEN.