Protesters shout slogans for better living conditions while holding placards near a market in central Rangoon, 22 Feb 2007

Htin Kyaw told VOA that he was released Friday after being detained for about one day.

He launched a solo protest on Thursday, standing in front of a busy market in the capital of Rangoon, shouting slogans that called for religious freedom.

Htin Kyaw says he was unhappy that government officials had allegedly prevented him from serving as a monk at a local monastery.

However, after explaining his situation to authorities, Htin Kyaw told VOA that authorities agreed to let him become a monk.

Htin Kyaw has been arrested several times in the past month.

He was picked up in late February after taking part in a rare demonstration in Rangoon calling for more political freedom and better living conditions.

He was arrested at least two other times after holding a news conference that focused on similar issues. Burma has little tolerance for political dissent, and the military government currently holds at least 1,100political prisoners.