Interview with released Prisoner,Hip-hop singer and political activist Zay Yar Thaw,

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(Interview) – Hip hop singer and Generation Wave leader Zay Yar Thaw

(Interview) – Hip hop singer and Generation Wave leader Zay Yar Thaw, 31, was released on Tuesday from Kawthoung Prison, where he was serving a four-year prison term. The Generation Wave group was formed during the 2007 Saffron Revolution under his leadership.

Hip Hop singer and political activist Zay Yar Thaw Photo: Facebook

Question: Your family is now awaiting your release and arrival at Rangoon Airport. How did the authorities inform you of your release?

Answer: I was released from Kawthough Prison on Tuesday at about 1:30 in the afternoon. The prison authorities informed us that the amnesty order commutes all prison sentences by one year. They informed me last night that I would be released today as my remaining prison term is less than one year.  My family knew this news in advance. They contacted the prison when they heard this amnesty order broadcast last night and asked if I was included in the list of prisoners who would be released. The prison authority gave my family an affirmative answer.

Q: How do you feel when you are released?

A: There are many more prisoners of conscience in prisons across the country. I cannot feel happy when many more prisoners are still behind bars. There are many political prisoners who are my brothers and sisters in these prisons. I hope all of them are released soon. Only after their release, can I fully enjoy my release.

Q: How did you enter politics?

A: I joined politics as a young man who could not accept injustice and submissiveness. I had no specific objective before, but after being in prison for more than three years, I had time for introspection on my life and work. I realized even more that we should work in the political area.