"Min Ko Naing" or "Conqueror of Kings," is the nom de guerre of one of the most prominent public figures in Burma's struggle for democracy and human rights.

Recently word was received that Min Ko Naing has been sentenced to 20 years with hard labor by a SLORC military tribunal. Many kinds of brutal torture have been used on him. According to one report, he was forced to stand in water for two weeks and now his left foot has no feeling. Some believe that it is already dead. His mother is also reported to be seriously ill.

"........ I'll never die. Physically I might be dead, but many more Min Ko Naing would appear to take my place. As you know, Min Ko Naing can only conquer a bad king. If the ruler is good, we carry him on our shoulders..........."