MYANMAR- An official of the Myanmar Prisoners’ Network stated that the restrictions on the number of letters and items sent to prisons started nationwide on August 15, causing difficulties for political prisoners.
After appointing ex-military General Myo Swe as the director-general of all prisons, the restrictions on sending prison letters and parcels become stricter, said the informer.
He continued, “Only seven sachets of coffee mix, five packs of instant noodles, around 0.4 grams of fried fish-paste, a pack of snacks (cakes/crackers), and a meat dish could be sent at a visit. Every other prison only accepts that amount.”
“After 2023, such restrictions on prison parcels and letters became widespread. In the past, it depended on the prison. Some prisons accepted up to 2 parcel bags, but now they only accept the aforementioned amount in a visit,” he explained.
Due to such restrictions, the family members and friends are concerned that it would not be enough for the detainees who rely on 2 weekly prison visit parcels sending.
More than 20 prisons nationwide have limited the number of parcels and letters sent to prison and maybe more.
Moreover, a family member of a political detainee claimed that anti-itch medicine (for fungal, scabies, and other skin conditions) and ointments are always needed for prisoners.
After the military coup, there are more than 24,800 political detainees across Myanmar who have been suffering from violence in prisons, according to reports and survey data.