U Win Tin

U Win Tin was awarded the 2001 Golden Pen of Freedom from the World Association of Newspapers "along with San San Nweh, in recognition of their outstanding services to the cause of press freedom in Burma.

"U Win Tin is a prominent journalist and writer who has been behind bars since 1989. He is also a member of the Central Executive Committee of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Burma’s main opposition party.

"In October 1989, Win Tin was sentenced to three years imprisonment. He received another ten years in June 1992 and an additional seven years in March 1996, making a total of 20 years. On the third occasion, he was convicted of "secretly publishing anti-government propaganda" from inside the prison.

"From the infamous cell 10 of Insein prison, U Win Tin has often had to be transferred to the prison’s hospital. During his years in prison, he has had two heart attacks, a slipped disc and has undergone surgery. Now aged 76, he has lost most of his teeth because of poor conditions inside the prison. In November 2002, Win Tin was transferred to Rangoon general hospital because of heart problems. In June 2003, he was returned to his special cell in Insein prison after doctors deemed his health to be "satisfactory." Former chief editor of the newspaper Hanthawathi, author of many articles criticising the regime and close advisor of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Ky, Win Tin has refused on several occasions to sign a letter of resignation from the NLD in exchange for his release."