The living conditions of a well-known political dissident have improved at Insein prison, according to his wife. However other activists who have been imprisoned doubt the positive nature of the change.

During the middle of October, last month, the wife of the political activist, Nai Yekha, was able to visit her husband in Insein prison. His wife, Mi Chit Khin, reports that he is in good health, and being able to meet face to face is an improvement.

“Nai Yekha is still in prison but his health is more strong than before. It is very easy to get permission to see a prisoner and we can talk very freely to each other, so I am very happy,” Mi Chit Khin explained. “It is a better opportunity than before because we can talk face-to-face. Nai Yekha believes that he might be released one day.”

The change comes after years of separation. Previously, rather then being allowed to meet with her husband, the military administration would only allow her to communicate by phone, Mi Chit Khin explained.

Nai Yekha had been active in the 1988 student uprising, teaching and participating in political dissidence and activism. Because of his activities, Nai Yekha was increasingly a target for arrests but was able to escape to the eastern border of Burma in 1989. There he focused his activism on human rights issues and national reconciliation.

Nai Yekha encouraged, supported, and gained the support of the people he organized. According to the NMSP General-Secretary Nai Hong Sar, Nai Yekha’s growing position as political activist was perceived threat to the regime and was arrested on July 17, 2003, after falling into a trap set by the military government to appear guilty of possessing bomb making materials.

On July 17th 2006, Khitpyaing reported in an article at the time that Nai Yekha was in bad health at Insein prison but the government didn’t allow his family to bring him any gifts of food or tobacco.

However, other Mon activists have explained that this treatment of prisoners is normal. Sometimes better living conditions are given, including allowing meetings in person, and better food. But at other times these same perks are taken away, not really giving prisoners any genuine long-term benefit.