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YANGON - Myanmar's military junta is freeing prisoners and then recruiting them to bolster the the shadowy Swan Aah Shin or "capable strong person" gangs that attack pro-democracy activists, diplomats say.
Ahead of last week's protests, the Government released hundreds from jail in preparation for the arrest of dozens of activists campaigning against the country's soaring inflation and lack of political process, it is claimed. One diplomat said: "Basically, they are junta-backed thugs. Everywhere you go, there are groups and truckloads of grubby-looking men looking bored and looking for a fight."
Campaigners took to the streets of Yangon again yesterday but were soon set upon by the pro-Government gangs, punched, dragged away and thrown into waiting trucks.
- Independent
