Oct 14, 2008 (DVB), Authorities arrested eight people, including four members of underground youth activist group Generation Wave, on Thursday and Friday last week, according to a statement released by the group.

The statement said four of the group’s members; Khine Ko Mon (also known as Nyein Chan), Ye Thu (also known as Nyi Nyi), Zin Min Aung and Aung Paing, were arrested on 9 and 10 October while they were visiting a house.

Four other friends of the house owners who were visiting at the same time were also arrested.

Group member Nyein Chan is the son of political prisoner Hla Shwe.

In its statement, Generation Wave also called on the State Peace and Development Council to stop the arrests of activists and to unconditionally release all political prisoners and activists who are being held without charge.

On 10 October, the group distributed leaflets bearing the message ‘End of the Dictatorship 2008’ around Rangoon, Mandalay and other cities across Burma to mark the one-year anniversary of its formation.

Reporting by Khin Hnin Htet