MYANMAR

[Update on Rapid Action 11/3/08]

International PEN welcomes the December 11, 2008 release of former journalist and member of the National League for Democracy (NLD) Ohn Kyaing. He was arrested October 1, 2008, apparently for his role in the relief effort following Cyclone Nargis, although no official reason for his arrest was made public.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
According to PEN’s information, Ohn Kyaing, aged 64, was arrested by the Special Intelligence Police Unit at his home in Rangoon. Seventy-two days later he was released from Insein Prison without being charged.
 
Ohn Kyaing was a member of the Cyclone Nargis Emergency Relief Committee formed by the NLD. Two other leading activists were also detained and charged for their relief efforts following Cyclone Nargis: comedian Zargana and journalist Zaw Thet Hwe.