Even though innocent, convicted death sentence
Than Zaw, a former youth member of the National League for Democracy, was imprisoned in 1989 for his alleged role in bombing the Thanlyin Oil Refinery. Than Zaw was born in South Oakkalapa Township, Rangoon and later on, he moved to Thanlyin Township. He was a former youth member of the National League for Democracy and took part earnestly in people power uprising known as 88 uprising. Than Zaw, who was imprisoned in 1989 to 2012 for his alleged role in bombing the Thanlyin Oil Refinery. Although the actual bomber, a Karen National Union major named Ko Ko Naing, confessed to the crime and was released in 2005, Than Zaw continued to languish in prison. Despite his innocence, he was first sentenced to death, later commuted in appeal to life in prison. His parent died while he was imprisoned and his family was not able to prison visit regularly, therefore he faced difficulties. Having release, he connected with one of former political prisoners and worked as an editor of a journal. Then, he joined the FHI 360 fellowship for former political prisoners. He selected the program and has been working for Mizzima Media group since July, 2017.