Zayar Thaw is a 27 year old hip-hop musician and important member of the band called ACID, formed by him, Yan Yan  Chan  and two other young Burmese activists in 2000. ACID was the first hip-hop band with music vaguely hinting at dissent. They won over many fans, mostly among Burmese youth.

For his political activities, he was arrested in March 2008.with his colleague, Yan Yan Chan in Monywa Township.  He and five others belonging to another music group called Generation Wave went to Lanmadaw Township Court under the representation of Aung Gyi, where everyone was charged on November 20, 2007 with a hefty five years in prison, guilty of illegally organizing under an Unlawful Association Act. At Bahan Township Court, Zayar Thaw was given an additional year for possessing foreign currency, which first needed approval from the authorities according to Burmese law. He had 125 Thai baht, 10 Singaporean dollars, and 25 Malaysian ringgits. During interrogation, it was reported that they were violently beaten by government officials.

Many have speculated that this is part of the SPDC’s crackdown on music, a tool used to transfer political messages and reach a new generation.

Learn more about Burma’s imprisoned heroes.