Leading Burmese activist Win Tin released

BURMA’S longest-serving political prisoner was among more than 9,000 inmates freed yesterday, days before the first anniversary of the junta’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests led by Buddhist monks.

Win Tin, a journalist-turned-activist and aide to pro-democracy opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, was held for 19 years. He was one of at least seven political prisoners released, Amnesty International said.

The rights group said there are an estimated 2,100 political prisoners in Burma, which has been under military rule for 46 years and is one of the world’s poorest nations.

While incarcerated, Win Tin had two heart attacks, a hernia operation and suffered from high blood pressure, diabetes and spinal inflammation.

Now 78, he appeared alert and healthy despite recent reports of being ill.

Asked how it felt to be free, Win Tin replied: “I will be happy only when all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, are released.”