Prison guards man the main gates to Insein, Burma's most notorious prison
The leaders of Burma's famed political dissident group, The 88 Generation Students, hold a meeting for the first time since their release from prison under a Presidential Amnesty in January 2011 that saw more than 600 political prisoners released from jail. As change gathers pace in Burma, the group will have a critical role to play in society once more adn will continue their political activities that have seen them jailed on numerous occasions previously
Crowds of hundreds including former political prisoners and democracy activists celebrate outside Insein prison in Rangoon, Burma, as hundreds of political prisoners including leading dissidents from the 88 Generation Students are released from prison under a presidential amnesty.
Kyaw Kyaw Htwe 'Marky' and Zaya catch up on reading the newspapers. They were both freed from their 65 years sentences just days before.
Leading human rights campaigner and former political prisoner herself, Su Su Nway stands at the gates of the notorious Insein prison in Rangoon awaiting the imminent release of political prisoners under the presidential amnesty
Members of the 88 Generation Students group in Burma
Zaya and Min Zeya, both recently freed from their 65 year prison sentences under a presidential amnesty, enjoy catching up once more. Both men have been jailed on two seperate occasions each spending more than a decade behind bars for their political activities
Mie Mie, a leader of the 88 Generation Students, participated in the 1988 uprising as a high school student and member of the ABFSU, DPNS and worked for the NLD. She was first arrested for 3 months in 1989 but in 1996 was involved in student protests and was jailed for 7 years. In August 2007 she lead protests in Rangoon but went into hiding when her colleagues in the 88 Generation Students were arrested. She was finally caught in October 2007 and was sentenced to 65 years. She was released from Katha prison on 13th January 2012 under a presidential amnesty
Htay Kywe, Min Ko Naing and Ko Jimmy, the leaders of Burma's 88 Generation Students at home just days after their release from prison. The three men had their 65 year sentences quashed under a presidential amnesty in January 2012. As Burma's most prominent dissidents they have paid a huge price, each spending almost twenty years in jail for their political activities in trying to bring about democracy to Burma
Kyaw Kyaw Htwe 'Marky' and Zaw Min 'Boung Boung' were both jailed for their role in peaceful protests in August 2007. They were both sentenced to 65 years in prison but were released just days ago under a presidential amnesty. Both men have been jailed on previous occasions for thei rpolitical activities
Min Ko Naing, founder and Chairman of the ABFSU and leader of the 88 Generations Students, is one of Burma's most prominent opponents of the military regime. He led the student uprising in 1988 but was arrested a year later and jailed for 16 years. Released in 2005, along with colleagues, he formed the 88 Generations Students group. In August 2007 he led peaceful protests through the streets of Rangoon that would lead to the Saffron Revolution, but he was arrested and sentenced to 65 years in jail. On 13th January 2012 he was released from Thayet prison under a presidential amnesty and along with the 88 Generation Students he is set to play a critical role in shaping Burma's future
The leaders of the 88 Generation Students at their press conference in Rangoon, left to right, Jimmy, Hla Myo Naung, Htay Kywe, Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Mya Aye, Min Zeya and Aung Thu. More than 500 people gathered in the Taw Win centre to hear the prominent pro-democracy activists speak for the first time since their release from prison under a presidential amnesty just one week previously
Htay Kywe, Min Ko Naing and Ko Jimmy, the leaders of Burma's 88 Generation Students at home just days after their release from prison. The three men had their 65 year sentences quashed under a presidential amnesty in January 2012. As Burma's most prominent dissidents they have paid a huge price, each spending almost twenty years in jail for their political activities in trying to bring about democracy to Burma
Mya Aye, leader of the 88 Generation Students, speaks at their press conference in Rangoon. More than 500 people gathered in the Taw Win centre to hear the prominent pro-democracy activists speak for the first time since their release from prison under a presidential amnesty just one week previously
Min Ko Naing, founder and Chairman of the ABFSU and leader of the 88 Generations Students, is one of Burma's most prominent opponents of the military regime. He led the student uprising in 1988 but was arrested a year later and jailed for 16 years. Released in 2005, along with colleagues, he formed the 88 Generations Students group. In August 2007 he led peaceful protests through the streets of Rangoon that would lead to the Saffron Revolution, but he was arrested and sentenced to 65 years in jail. On 13th January 2012 he was released from Thayet prison under a presidential amnesty and along with the 88 Generation Students he is set to play a critical role in shaping Burma's future
88 Generation Student leader Ko Ko Gyi's mother awaits his arrival at Rangoon airport. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Jimmy @ Kyaw Min Yu, a leader of the 88 Generation Students and husband of Nilar Thein, was first arrested in 1989 for his role in the mass student lead uprising of 1988. His original 7-year sentence was increased by 12 years when he contacted the UN about prison conditions. He was finally released in 2005 but was arrested again in 2007 when leading peaceful protests through the streets of Rangoon. He was sentenced to 65 years but was released from Taunggyi prison on 13th January 2012 under a presidential amnesty
Zarganar, who was released from prison in an amnesty in October 2011, liaises with the authorities over access inside the airport. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Mie Mie, a leader of the 88 Generation Students, participated in the 1988 uprising as a high school student and member of the ABFSU, DPNS and worked for the NLD. She was first arrested for 3 months in 1989 but in 1996 was involved in student protests and was jailed for 7 years. In August 2007 she lead protests in Rangoon but went into hiding when her colleagues in the 88 Generation Students were arrested. She was finally caught in October 2007 and was sentenced to 65 years. She was released from Katha prison on 13th January 2012 under a presidential amnesty
Military Intelligence keep watch as near to a thousand people gather at Rangoon airport to greet the arrival of the 88 Generation Students who have been released from prison. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Jimmy and Nilar Thein meet with Aung San Suu Kyi for the first time. For decades the leaders of the 88 Generation Students have been seperated from her with one of the other always having been detained by the authorities
88 Generation Student leader Nilar Thein, who was released from Tharawaddy prison, breaks down with emotion as she is greeted by her family. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Reunited after being released from prison under a presidential amnesty, husband and wife, Ko Jimmy and Nilar Thein, are a family once again
Nilar Thein, released from Tharawaddy prison, is reunited with her 5 year old daughter Phyu Nay Kyi. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
The 88 Generation Students meet with Burma's most famous political prisoner, U Win Tin, for the first time in over twenty years. In the aftermath of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 they were all imprisoned, but now for the first time they are all free at the same time
The domestic terminal at Rangoon airport was packed with hundreds of family members, well-wishers, dissidents and former political prisoners awaiting the arrival of the 88 Generation Students. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Aung Naing, leading member of the 88 Generations Students meets with DVB video journalist Win Maw at the press conference being held in Rangoon. Both men were released form long prison sentences under the recent presidential amnesty
Euphoria breaks out in Rangoon airport as 88 Generation Student leader Ko Ko Gyi walks through into the waiting crowds. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Leading female members of the 88 Generation Students including Thet Thet Aung, Mie Mie, Mar Mar Oo and Nilar Thein gather together for the first time since their release from prison last week
One of Burma's most prominent politial dissidents, 88 Generation Student leader Ko Ko Gyi is mobbed by hundreds of well wishers and dissidents as he arrives in Rangoon airport having been released from prison where he was serving a 65 year sentence. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
The leaders of the 88 Generation Students arrive at their press conference in Rangoon. More than 500 people gathered in the Taw Win centre to hear the prominent pro-democracy activists speak for the first time since their release from prison
88 Generation Student leader Ko Ko Gyi is mobbed by hundreds of well wishers and dissidents as he arrives in Rangoon airport. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
The leaders of the 88 Generation Students arrive at their press conference in Rangoon. More than 500 people gathered in the Taw Win centre to hear the prominent pro-democracy activists speak for the first time since their release from prison
Ko Ko Gyi who was serving a 65 year sentence recently reduced to 30 years is set to play a critical role in Burma's political future. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Min Ko Naing, leader of the 88 Generation Students, speaks at their press conference in Rangoon. More than 500 people gathered in the Taw Win centre to hear the prominent pro-democracy activists speak for the first time since their release from prison under a presidential amnesty just one week previously
Friends and family rush to greet Zaya as he sets foot outside of Rangoon airport. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Nilar Thein gets confirmation that her husband and a leader of the 88 Generation Students, Ko Jimmy, is on the plane from Taunggyi and due to arrive within the hour.The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Phyu Nay Kyi, the five year old daughter of Ko Jimmy and Nilar Thein, sits next to her mother as they drive home together for the first time. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Aung Naing reunited with his family. He was arrested in 2007 and sentenced to 65 years in prison for his role in leading peaceful protests.The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Phyu Nay Kyi screams with joy as her fathers plane touches down at Rangoon airport. Today is the first time since she was born that she will be with both of her parents. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
A member of the airport staff looks out of her office as hundreds of people cram into the domestic terminal of Rangoon airport to welcome home the 88 Generation Students. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
HIV activist and former political prisoner Phyu Phyu thin accompanies her good friend Nilar Thein as they wait for her husband, Ko Jimmy, to walk into the airport. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Hundreds of people packed into Rangoon airport to welcome home the 88 Generations Students. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Rangoon airport erupts with emotion as Nilar Thein, Ko Jimmy and their five year old daughter are reunited. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Crowds overwhelmed with joy mob leading Burmese political dissidents Ko Jimmy and his wife Nilar Thein as they are re-united once again with their daughter having both just been released from the 65 year prison sentences they were serving. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Phyu Nay Kyi watches as her father Ko Jimmy is interviewed by waiting media. Reunited after being released from prison under a presidential amnesty, husband and wife, Ko Jimmy, Nilar Thein and Phyu Nay Chi are a family once again. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
88 Generation Student leader Mya Aye arrives at Rangoon airport from Taunggyi prison. Mya Aye was sentenced to 65 years in prison in 2007 for his role in leading peaceful protests. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Mya Aye was sentenced to 65 years in prison in 2007 for his role in leading peaceful protests. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Phyo Min Thein gives an interview over the phone to foreign media whilst waiting for his brother-in-law and leader of the 88 Generation Students, Htay Kywe, to arrive. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Min Zeya shares a joke with Zayar Thaw, the leader of Generation Wave and now security assistant to Aung San Suu Kyi, who was released from prison in June 2011. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
Leading 88 Generation Student, Mie Mie and young student activist Phyo Phyo Aung enjoy their freedom as they meet once more. The Presidential amnesty saw more than 600 political prisoners released from prison, many of who were former leaders of the mass democracy uprising in 1988 and were serving long sentences of 65 years or more.
One of Burma's most prominent political dissidents, 88 Generation Student leader Htay Kywe raises his fist in the air to salute waiting crowds as and the release of his colleagues from prison. Htay Kywe was serving a prison sentence of 65 years before being released along with more than 600 other political prisoners under a presidential amnesty.
Min Ko Naing and Pyone Cho relax at home with fellow members of the 88 Generation Students just days after their release from prison
Ko Ko Gyi is one of the most prominent pro-democracy activists and a leader of the 88 Generation Students. In the 1988 uprisings he helped re-form the ABFSU and was elected vice-chairman. First arrested in December 1991 during the student led 10D movement, he was sentenced to 10 years and was released in 2005, 4 years after his sentence had expired. On release he helped form the 88 Generations Students. In 2007 he was arrested for leading peaceful protests in Rangoon and was sentenced to 65 years in prison. He was released from Mong Hsat prison under a presidential amnesty on Friday 13th January 2012
Ko Ko Gyi and Mya Aye, leaders of the 88 Generation Students, back to work right away just days after their release from prison. The 88 Generation Students will have an important role to play as change starts to take place in Burma
Mya Aye, a leader of the 88 Generation Students was first arrested in 1989 and spent 7 years imprisoned for his role in the mass democracy uprising of 1988. In August 2007 he was arrested with his colleagues for leading peaceful protests that lead to the Saffron Revolution. He was sentenced to 65 years in Taunggyi prison where he suffered extreme ill health and was persistently denied medical care by the authorities. He was released under a presidential amnesty on 13th January 2012
Aung San Suu Kyi meets leaders of the 88 Generation Students, Mya Aye, Pyone Cho and Soe Tun who were all released from long prison sentences under a general amnesty just three days ago
