No.01 - 06/2006
2 June 2006

Politics

Detained Shan leader's detained brother moved to Mandalay

Hkun Oo Kya, elder brother of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) leader Hkun Tun Oo, both of whom were detained and sentenced to long term imprisonments, was transferred from Kyaukme in northern Shan State to Mandalay early in May, according to sources close to the family.

Hkun Oo Kya (Photo: S.H.A.N.)

Hkun Oo Kya, 66, who is also a nephew of Sao Kya Seng, the prince of Hsipaw who mysteriously disappeared during the 1962 coup and custodian of the Hsipaw palace, a favourite tourist destination, was taken into custody from his home on 3 August 2005, almost six months following his young brother's arrest and subsequently went on trial on 2 charges

• Defamation (Section 124-A): Two tourists were said to have written in the guestbook expressing their thanks for telling them "the truth"
• Violation of Library and Museum law: Asking for donations from tourists visiting the palace

He received a 13 year jail term on 30 September: 10 for the first charge and 3 for the second, according to Democratic Voice of Burma. His appeal was turned down and another appeal has been in contemplation.

Applications by his younger brother Hkun Tun Oo, 63, and six other colleagues have also been rejected by the Supreme Court in Rangoon yesterday (1 June) without explanation, reported Irrawaddy.

Hkun Oo Kya has an ailing wife, Sao Zarm Phong aka Fern, and two children Sao Oom Liang and Sao Mo Nim.