On 7 May 2008 it was reported that Win Maw had been transferred to the prison hospital after a series of interrogation sessions. He is said to have suffered suspected collapsed lungs as a result of ‘water torture’, and to have now contracted pneumonia. His family have been denied access to him for over three weeks, and there are grave concerns for his welfare.

Supporting the opposition
Win Maw is lead guitarist in the music group Shwe Thansin. He was previously imprisoned from 1997-2003 for writing songs in support of Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the opposition. It is probable that his current detention may also be linked to his song writing.

Win Maw is held under article 5 (j) of the penal code with threatening national security. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison. His arrest is thought to be part of the wider crackdown on pro-democracy activists.

Below you find the letter which Freemuse has sent by fax to his Excellency Mr. U Nay Win, Burmese ambassador at the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar in UK.

Freemuse encourages you to send letters of protest and demands of the release of Win Maw to the nearest Burmese embassy. 

This is the contact information of the embassy in UK: 

His Excellency Mr. U Nay Win
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar
19A, Charles Street
Berkeley Square
London W1J 5DX 
UK

fax: +44 20 7409 70 43
e-mail: melondon[AT]btconnect.com

It is the recommendations of International PEN to send appeals to the diplomatic representative of Myanmar (Burma) in your own country or the one in a country close to you. While the situation in Burma is still critical, letters sent to the officials and authorities in the country may not be received or taken as a priority.

International PEN also suggests writing letters to your national newspapers expressing alarm at events in Burma, and highlighting Win Maw’s case to illustrate the many years of repression in the country.