Zarganar's mother Kyi Oo dies

Mar 20, 2009 (DVB)–Kyi Oo, the mother of imprisoned variety artist Zarganar, died at her home in Rangoon this evening from cancer at the age of 81.



She was married to Aung Thein, popularly known as writer, artist Nang Nyunt Swe. They have three sons; Wunna, Bala (also known as Tayza, Nyi Nyi Kyaw) and Thura.

The oldest son Wunna was involved in 1974 U Thant uprising and severely tortured by the police until he went mad. He eventually died from the wounds he received in prison.

The youngest, Thura, popularly known as comedian Zargana, is languishing in Myikyina jail in northern Burma, serving a 35 years' jail term which was reduced from 59 years.

He was arrested in June 2008 and sentenced to 45 years' imprisonment on 21 November under various charges including three offences under the Electronics Law, including the use of a mobile phone and email. It was extended to 59 years the following week.