Based on an Amnesty International report -- Myanmar: The Institution of Torture, AI Index ASA 16/24/2000, December 2000 -- torture often takes place during interrogation and pre-trial detention in Myanmar.VOA's Hla Hla Than spoke to Amnesty International about the recent rearrests of 30 former political prisoners.
The detainees were reportedly arrested at night during last week, while books and leaflets were taken from their homes by the arresting officers. The reason for the arrests is not known.
All but four of the detainees are known to be former political prisoners who, since 1990, have already served prison sentences from between three to ten years, on account of their political activities.