Jul 29, 2008 (DVB), Long-term political prisoner and Kyauk Tan township’s elected people’s parliament representative Dr Than Nyein is still awaiting proper medical attention after being diagnosed with suspected liver cancer in February.

Dr Than Nyein, who is being held in Prom prison, has been suffering from kidney stones and liver problems and was diagnosed with suspected liver cancer at Bago divisional hospital in February, according to his wife Daw Khin Aye.

His family has been appealing to the prison authorities to allow him to seek medical assistance since the diagnosis but have so far received no response.

"We have been sending a number of appeal letters to the prison authorities but the prison authorities never responded to them," said Daw Khin Aye.

"Being a doctor himself, he knows what is likely to happen to him and he has been very careful , but he has been in a strong mental state."

Dr Than Nyein was charged under section 10(a) of the State Protection Act and was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment in 1997 but remained in detention despite having served his full term.

His detention order has been repeatedly renewed without additional charge or trial.

Amnesty International and the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners have previously appealed for Dr Than Nyein's release.

AAPP reported in March last year that he was suffering from several serious chronic illnesses of the stomach, liver and prostate as well as chronic hypertension and cataracts.

Amnesty International considers him a prisoner of conscience who has been detained solely on the basis of his legitimate political activities, and has highlighted his need for medical attention since 2004.

Reporting by Khin Hnin Htet