MON STATE- Mr. Theik Tun Oo of the Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM) told the media that 5 political prisoners were beaten and locked in solitary by the prison authorities for no reason and they are also facing many charges.
On June 15, under the order of Correctional Officer Director Zaw Min Aung, the inmates from Kyaikmayaw Prison were transferred to Daik Oo and Tharawati Prisons, and the prison wardens and prison officials were also transferred.
Warden Chan Aye Kyaw, who is notorious for oppressing prisoners and taking bribes, became the Chief Warden of Kyaikmayaw Prison, Kyaw Kyaw Oo became the deputy warden and Kyaw Zin Aung took charge as the prison staff leader.
On the evening of June 25, when the cells were closed, about 20 staff members led by Prison Staff Kyaw Zin Aung took Mr. Lwan Wai Aung (under section 19-F), Mr. Aung Zaw Min (section 52 A), Mr. Nyi Nyi (section 52 A), Mr. Zarni Aung (52 A), Mr. Nanda Aung Lin (50 J) away by force.
While being taken by force without any prior notice the political prisoners tried to break away and were beaten up by batons. Even now the five political prisoners have been detained in solitary by the prison authorities and are banned from receiving letters and parcels.
Moreover, the five political prisoners were charged with additional sentences under Section 6 (subsection 1) for destroying public property and Section (224) for not complying with the prison authorities but resisting when called out.
“The Department of Prisons is working on a four-month plan to oppress political prisoners in Kyaikmayaw Prison, and more constantly oppressing the inmates. Correctional Officer Zaw Min Aung, Chief Warden Chan Aye Kyaw and Deputy Warden Kyaw Kyaw Oo are conducting an (political prisoners oppression) operation in the prison. Lately, political prisoners are being oppressed more than before,” said Mr. Thaik Tun Oo from PPNM.
