Phyu Phyu Thin

Phyu Phyu Thin (born 1972) is a Burmese HIV/AIDS activist and supporter of the National League for Democracy. On May 21, 2007, Phyu Phyu Thin was arrested by police in Yangon for organizing a prayer rally to call for the release of detained National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Never told what crime she had committed, she was held for more than a month, and was released on July 2, 2007.cite web | last = Associated Press | title = Prominent Myanmar AIDS activist freed from detention | publisher = The Star (Malaysia) | date = 2009-07-03 | url = http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/3/apworld/20070703102730&sec=apworld | accessdate = 2007-07-03 ]

As an activist, Phyu Phyu Thin has been an outspoken critic of the State Peace and Development Council, which she says is understating the number of HIV and AIDS cases in Myanmar. She operates a clinic in Yangon that provides treatment, medicine and counseling to HIV and AIDS patients.cite web | title = Burma Released HIV-Positive Activists From Hospital Confinement | publisher = Voice of America | date = 2007-06-08 | url = http://www.voanews.com/burmese/2007-06-08-voa7.cfm | accessdate = 2007-06-29 ] cite web | last = Mann | first = Naomi | title = A Brave, Caring Woman Now Also Needs Help | publisher = The Irrawaddy | date = 2009-07-03 | url = http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=7749 | accessdate = 2007-07-03 ]

On June 5, 11 AIDS patients, who were participating in prayer rallies, calling for the release of Phyu Phyu Thin, were detained at Waybargi Infectious Diseases Hospital. They were later released on June 8.cite web | last = Lae | first = Aye | title = HIV/AIDS Patients Detained in Rangoon | publisher = The Irrawaddy | date = 2009-06-07 | url = http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=7391 | accessdate = 2007-06-29 ] The United States Department of State also called for Phyu Phyu Thin's release.

While in detention, Phyu Phyu Thin staged a hunger strike, taking only liquids for about one week. Her family, which had not been told where she was being held, said it would file a missing person's case with police.cite web | last = Aung | first = Htet | title = “Free Suu Kyi” Campaigners Released | publisher = The Irrawaddy | date = 2009-06-28 | url = http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=7698 | accessdate = 2007-06-29 ] cite web | last = Paung | first = Shah | title = Relatives of Missing HIV Activist Threaten to Sue Authorities | publisher = The Irrawaddy | date = 2009-06-21 | url = http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=7547 | accessdate = 2007-06-29 ]

Phyu Phyu Thin has previously been detained in 2000, after she and other Suu Kyi supporters were bundled away by police from a rally for Suu Kyi. She was held for a time in Insein prison.

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