Feb 25, 2008 (DVB), A National League for Democracy member who was transferred from Sandoway prison, Arakan state, on 8 February has remained in shackles since his arrival at Insein prison in Rangoon.

Arakan state NLD financial coordinator U Myint Aung was put in shackles for transportation between the prisons, and they still have not been removed, his mother said.

Daw Soe Phyu, who visited her son on 21 February, said he had asked the authorities why he was still being made to wear them.

"My son told me he was made to wear shackles on the day of his transfer and the prison authorities still haven't taken them off," she said.

"He apparently asked the prison authorities about it, and they said they had forgotten to take them off."

Rumours have been circulating that Myint Aung will be moved again to another prison, but it is not clear where he would be sent.

Myint Aung was originally held in Sandoway prison with Arakan state NLD secretary U Khin Hla, but both men were transferred on 8 February.

Khin Hla was transferred to Buthee Taung prison, where he is serving a four-year sentence.

Myint Aung has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

Reporting by Nan Kham Kaew