How did your release come about, and did you have to sign any agreements ?
I was released under the commutation. Even without the commutation, I would have been released from prison in the next year. None of us needed to sign pledges. But one thing I want to say is that there are many political prisoners in Obo Prison. They have not been released.
When you were arrested, did they torture you ?
When I was arrested, the township Peace and Development Council chairman Ye Kyaw Khine said that he was a township chief who had a close relationship with General Khin Maung Than and General Myint Hlaing, and he could do anything he liked. They roped my hands to my back, and then they pushed to make me fall down. Then with their military boots, they trod on my face. They kicked me a lot, and my tooth fell out.
You could read news journals in prison. What is your opinion of the new government’s actions?
To speak frankly, we need to seriously watch them. We will be able to trust it, only if bigger changes are brought about. I mean that for instance, talking about amnesty, the government needs to release all political prisoners unconditionally. Similarly, many prisoners who were sentenced via unfair legislation need to be released. The affairs regarding amending the Constitution need to be conducted as soon as possible for the sake of people. Talking about combating corruption, it must be combated effectively and we need transparency
Do you think that the people of Burma have enjoyed any peace and freedom since we achieved independence ?
Since the day Burma got independence, the people of Burma have not enjoyed the taste of independence. Our country lacks peace. We lost our human rights. We don’t have democracy. The citizens are below the poverty line. Now, it’s time to end these problems. I hope that all citizens will actively try to solve these problems.