Dec 6, 2007 (DVB), Prominent activist Htin Kyaw has vowed to continue with a hunger strike to call for the release of political prisoners, even though his health is suffering.

A relative who visited Htin Kyaw at Insein prison in Rangoon yesterday said that he had begun his hunger strike six days previously to urge the Burmese government to release him and other political activists who are in detention.

A prison official said that Htin Kyaw had been feeling very weak and has now been admitted to the prison hospital.

Htin Kyaw said he would refuse to eat until all political prisoners were released.

Regime officials in Naypyidaw were informed of Htin Kyaw's hunger strike when it began, but there has so far been no official response.

Htin Kyaw has been detained since 25 August for his role in instigating protests that month against fuel price increases.

Reporting by Maung Too