Aug 28, 2008 (DVB), Min Ko Naing, Ko Mya Aye and other 88 generation student leaders appeared yesterday for the first time at a court hearing at Insein prison’s special court where they have been charged with several offences.

Central court lawyer U Aung Thein and two other lawyers, U Kyi Win and U Nyaung, will act as defence lawyers for the student leaders, but have not yet been able to meet their clients.

However, Aung Thein observed the proceedings as he happened to be in the court at the same time for a court hearing for his other clients, prominent monk U Gambira and 10 others charged alongside him.

"[The student leaders] have not yet been allowed to meet their lawyers as not all of those involved in the case were present at the time," Aung Thein said.

"The prosecutors have just opened the cases against them so no one yet knows the details, such as in which courts their trials will be held."

Reporting by Aye Nai