NO EASY ROAD: A Burmese Political Prisoner’s Story – Part 3

Report by Paul Pickrem

Wednesday, 30 June 2010 19:09 - Last Updated Saturday, 03 July 2010 07:49

Photo by Paul Pickrem

Graphic Design by Garrett Kostin Thiha Yarzar was housed in cell 51, in a cell range of 60
white concrete cells with iron bars for a door. There was nothing inside but a thin bamboo mat
for a bed and two ceramic bowls for a toilet.

Out of 140 death row prisoners, five were political prisoners with death sentences. Three of
those were Thiha, his fifteen year-old brother-in-law Myo Aung, and Bamin Dhit, who gave his
name and location to police after being tortured.

Four more political prisoners, who did not receive death sentences, were also jailed there as a
form of mental torture.

Three other death row prisoners had been students with Thi Ha.

“How did it come to this? We just wanted to study peacefully. None of us wanted to take up
arms. But, we had to fight for democracy and human rights instead. And now to end up this
way… not only me but the others as well.

1/3
NO EASY ROAD: A Burmese Political Prisoner’s Story – Part 3

Report by Paul Pickrem

Wednesday, 30 June 2010 19:09 - Last Updated Saturday, 03 July 2010 07:49

“Who is responsible? It is the fault of the tyrants, the military leaders. I was angry.

“But, we had no regrets. We were satisfied we had done the right thing. We were at peace.

“I was in prison. But, I was really free in my mind. I encouraged other prisoners on death row
not to be afraid.”

Life was about waiting to die for those on death row.

No one had any idea how long they would remain there, or when or if they would actually be
executed.

At least the filthy old clothes he had worn since his arrest were gone. Thiha and the others now
wore a prison uniform made up of a white short sleeved shirt with a collar and a white longyi, or
sarong.

Every Friday he was allowed two visitors from his family. His wife and mother and sister would
try to comfort him.

“They cried and encouraged me. But I said, ‘I’m okay, you be careful.’”

His wife was arrested once after visiting him.

His wife’s family had to sell the small pickled tea shop they operated because people were
afraid to buy from them.

His wife was a student. She was supported by her parents and his family as well. Some
sympathetic politicians secretly helped the family financially.

Inside, Thiha had his share of challenges too.

2/3
 NO EASY ROAD: A Burmese Political Prisoner’s Story – Part 3

Report by Paul Pickrem

Wednesday, 30 June 2010 19:09 - Last Updated Saturday, 03 July 2010 07:49

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ithe
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we
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planet.
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otherit,
pressure
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at time
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struggle
democracy
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situation
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aget this
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terrorists.
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interests
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guns.
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issue
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in
home,”
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generals
the
inin
community
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dictators,
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communicate.
people,
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Development
kill
night
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understand
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release
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weapons
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Burma.
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since mind.
imprisoned
said,
alive
most
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to
armed
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cunning.
to
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targets.
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looking
can’tin
said,
negotiate
and
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will
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bring of
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trust
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would
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for pay
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entering
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Thailand
2009,
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mefled
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pressed
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Thailand
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my
price
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heno to
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the
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UNHCR
was
be Mai
he
by
human
will
getting
for his in
action.”
aato
of
democracy
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Development
Thailand,”
not
new
cause
Thiha release,
problems.
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at
to
now
legal
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detained
buy
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authorities,
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rights
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for
and
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for assisting
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Yarzar,
Kyi
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crossed Thiha
Sot,
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two
was
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to
in
and
lead
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has
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and
the
fist is
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freedom.
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and
family.
in
the
Burma,” was
weeks.
Association
said.
Tak attacked
the
refugees)
thirdMae
from
known
not
my
humanthe
UNHCR
all
stepped
punching
the battles
and
resettlement
Burma approached
Province.
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financial
young propaganda
police
legal
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country.
andHigh
the
the
country
waivered
duty.
fact
political
way he My
by to
because
rights.”
to by said. family
Party).
my
either.
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documents,”
UNHCR
human
fact But,
many
history
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that
compound
thethe members
I’m
prisoners
speaking
sky
front illegally
forced
Commissioner
go that
hasto
stability,”
by despitenoaas
telling a
studentby
itwith
Burmese
and wing
members
is “The
not
free
in
up his
refugee
will
help
rights.”
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intheto
he
Mae
shouted, of
by
protect
died.
the
long
Burma,
fire
for old
andthe
pay
freeboat,
said.
from
aman. for
City
said.
at Burmese
better
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in years
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freedomenemies,
he
were4,000
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hisman.
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of
Rangoon was
awill
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in afraid.”
pro-government
at
Refugees)
the
me Myawaddy,
UNHCR.
from
Exiles”.
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way,ofdo hebaht
So, who
offered
in (Thai
Thai
Iimprisonment
responsibility
ThihaMay
eyes, will
moved
story.”
Iand
can
whatever
showed
despite 2009,
Burma!”.
lit byand
do
University, sought
help
his money
February
They USDA
Kayin
currency,
NGOs
police,
whatever
to appear
I Mae
organize
willingness
demanding
his
concerns
the towordsto
and
struggle
can
flames to take
2009, be
(non-
and ofI to
Sot,
pursue
to
of I
NO EASY ROAD: A Burmese Political Prisoner’s Story – Part 2
NO EASY ROAD: A Burmese Political Prisoner’s Story – Part 1

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