On Saturday, we received news that 3 key activists with the 88 Generation Students were detained. One of my colleagues knew them personally, and my heart sank as I watched him place frantic phone calls to friends and media.
Since the initial crackdown that ended the protests in Rangoon, the SPDC continues to arrest people in the middle of the night. These 3 activists, Htay Kywe, Mie Mie, and Aung Htoo, had managed to stay hidden and avoid being detained for more than 2 weeks. However, they are now among the estimated more than 3,000 monks and civilians who have been detained. It has been confirmed that at least 134 protesters have been killed, including many monks and a Japanese photojournalist. But both numbers are believed to be much higher.
The SPDC’s violent reaction to the protests continues. Kyaukpadaung Township NLD member Ko Win Shwe, who was arrested on September 26, died as a result of torture while being interrogated in Plate Myot Police Center near Mandalay. Protesters who have been released from various detention centers throughout the country report of horrific detention conditions, with no sanitation, little food and drinking water and rooms crammed full of monks and civilians. Protesters are being tortured and interrogated at the hands of police, Special Branch and Military Intelligence officers. Monks have been forcibly disrobed, and given their only meal of the day in the afternoon, which goes against their Buddhist vows to only eat in the morning.
Today, I found out that one of the people I met in Rangoon has also been detained.
All the stories seem so much more real and horrible when I imagine my friend there. And there is nothing I can do.
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