Does this man remind you of Avery Chan?

But seriously. Min Ko Naing's story reminds me of the courage and bravery of those who are willing to fight for democracy and peace for their people, and how I live and breathe in this free country and too often take it for granted. MKN has been arbitrarily detained for 14 years and has suffered through brutal torture, including being forced to stand in water for two weeks until he collapsed and his left foot lost all feeling. It is also believed that he has very weak health and remains in solitary confinement.

This is a pretty good slide show (click once onto main page, then click "slide show" on left bar) that gives an introduction and overview of the current situation in Burma (the oppressive ruling military regime changed its name to "Myanmar", and you can tell who sits on what side by whatever name is used) and the democracy and human rights struggle that is currently taking place.

There are currently nearly 1500 Political Prisoners incarcerated in Burmese Prisons. They must survive on a minimum of food and water, inadequate medical attention where exposure to AIDS and other communicable diseases occurs on a daily basis. They also endure constant harrassment, physical and psychological abuse.

"As soon as a male political prisoner walks in the iron gate of Myngyan prison, his eyes are covered, and the jail guards beat him. Prison authorities refer to this event as "a welcoming ceremony with orchestra," -- clubs and 2" diameter bamboo rods are the musical instruments.

We were punched, kicked and beaten with clubs, jungle boots and bamboo rods at least 200 times by 4 or 5 wardens. We had already been chained, but while we were beaten we were also forced to crawl upon the sharp pieces of bricks until we reached the cells where we would be kept. The wardens shouted, "This is Myingyan prison! This is Myingyan prison!" while beating us. They treated us as if we were animals from the very first day, some even lost consciousness on the way to their prison cells.

When the prisoners reach their cells they are forced to crouch for an excruciatingly long time in a crouch position. They crouch in the corner, a dirt place otherwise used as a toilet. Political prisoners remain chained, some times with a long iron rod between the feet, or legs which forces them to stand, sit or lie with legs kept well apart. They are left this way for months. " - AAPP

These are the faces of just some of them.