Activist Who Embodied Myanmar’s Democracy Struggle Dies of COVID-19 Now in his 70s, Hla Shwe became a widower five years ago after spending more than half his married life behind bars. 1.0k By The Irrawaddy 17 July 2021 Longtime political activist and writer U Hla Shwe died of COVID-19 at the age of 84 at his home in Yangon’s North Dagon Township on Thursday. He was one of the many COVID-19 victims who have died after not being able to access medical oxygen amid Myanmar’s ongoing third wave of coronavirus infections. “My father passed away after having the last breath [from] an oxygen cylinder. He objected to the military dictatorship until his death,” his daughter Ma Nay Chi posted on Facebook on Thursday night.