The Myanmar Political Prisoners Network (PPNM) released its annual report on December 31, saying that 9 people died in 2024 alone and 150 were tortured and killed as a result of the military council’s detention, arrest, torture, and killings in Myanmar. VOA’s Ma Aye Aye Mar reports.
The Myanmar Political Prisoners Network (PPNM) has detained, arrested, tortured, and killed political activists, students, farmers, and ethnic minorities in Myanmar, and that 9 people died in 2024 alone, U Thaik Htun Oo, a member of the PPNM’s steering committee, told VOA.
“In 2024, political prisoners who were already in prison were killed because they were exposed and connected to PDF, and two political prisoners in Dawei Prison, a political prisoner who was arrested at the Monywa police station, and political prisoners who were peacefully expressing their will were shot and killed by prison staff and officers. It can also be said that it was the year when the military council troops easily killed a person who was planning to escape after returning from court. According to the list, there are about 9 people.”
In the nearly 4 years since the military coup, 22 people have died while in prison, including former Mandalay Region Chief Minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung and Electricity Minister U Win Khaing. In 2024, around 150 people were tortured, and it was said that they were sent to remote locations, making it difficult for their families to send letters, so nearly 1,800 political prisoners faced difficulties without receiving prison letters.
“The list compiled shows that 148 political prisoners were tortured by prison authorities, wardens, other criminals, and thugs. At least 3,000 prisoners were transferred, including 1,783 political prisoners.”
Of the around 150 people who were tortured, more than 70 were said to have experienced both confinement and imprisonment. Women are particularly affected. Some pregnant women and those imprisoned with young children are said to have lived in poverty with both their mothers and children in prison. Children are also being held with their mothers, which violates their rights. The annual report also states that there are 35 women in prison with children. The data was compiled from data from more than 40 prisons.
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) reported on December 27 that a total of (28,051) people have been arrested in Myanmar since the military took power nearly four years ago, of whom (21,479) are still being held and (9,933) have been sentenced to prison. The military council has often responded by saying that statements by political prisoner advocacy groups about the conditions of political prisoners in various prisons are exaggerated.
