New Delhi – A Burmese social welfare activist arrested during the September protests has reportedly suffered paralysis over half of his face due to lack of proper medical treatment inside Rangoon's notorious Insein prison, a colleague said.

Than Naing, an activist committed to helping people living with HIV who was arrested in September, reportedly suffered the partial paralysis on April 21 as a result of the poor prison medical treatment, his colleague elaborated.

"Half of his face is paralyzed. He cannot close his left eye and cannot feel anything with his teeth and lip on the left side of his face. When he eats he has to chew with the teeth on his right side," added the colleague, who saw Than Naing at the prison.

Than Naing's wife was totally ignorant of his situation as authorities did not inform her, only learning that Than Naing has been living for several days in a critical state after she made a prison visit on Monday.

Than Naing, who is also a member of the organizing committee of the Thaung Dwin Gyi Township National League for Democracy in central Burma, himself is living with HIV.

His colleague, who worked with him in helping people with HIV, said a poor diet for people with HIV can cause grave medical problems.

"Since he is paralyzed he cannot eat, and this will further deteriorate his health as a person living with HIV. I am even worried that he might die," added the colleague.

Than Naing was arrested on September 26 at Shwedagon Pagoda during the peak of the protests, which were brutally suppressed by the ruling junta.

His wife and colleagues today appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs to allow Than Naing proper medical treatment and a free trial, also asking the ministry to immediately take measures in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Burma.