Myanmar’s Political Prisoners Face Dire Conditions in 2024
A report by the Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar reveals that 31 political prisoners died in 2024 due to poor healthcare and inhumane treatment, nearly double the previous year’s toll, RFA reported yesterday. Among the deceased, 9 fell victim to unlawful torture and extrajudicial killings.
The report highlights that 22 prisoners died from inadequate medical care, with prominent figures like Zaw Myint Maung and Win Khaing among the casualties.
At the end of 2024, 42 female political prisoners were incarcerated, including 35 mothers with children and 7 pregnant women. Many children in these prisons suffer from abuse and lack proper nutrition.
In a troubling trend, authorities transferred around 1,800 political prisoners to remote facilities, complicating family visits. Legal experts have noted that post-coup, political prisoners have been denied their rights under Myanmar’s Prison Act, with management prioritizing military orders over legal standards. Advocates are calling for the immediate release of mothers and pregnant women in custody.
