KACHIN STATE – On April 18, junta forces raided and opened fire on the prisoners in Myitkyina Prison who protested, demanding for right to a reduction of their sentences. Four inmates including political prisoners Mr. Aung Naing Tun and Mr. Kyaw Soe Win were killed in the raid and they were said to have been buried on Sunday (April 21).
At around 4 p.m. on April 18, dissatisfaction arose among the inmates regarding the amnesty of the junta council, leading to verbal rows between the inmates and prison staff. It eventually resulted in a protest within the prison and junta forces raided the prison and opened fire on the inmates, killing four inmates including two political prisoners, reported Mr. Taik Tun Oo from Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM).
“Two political prisoners were killed. Such lawless actions will be blatantly committed by the junta police and prison department in 2024. Hence, we would like to request the international community to not lose sight of the happenings in the prisons and to constantly keep watching and exert pressure (for prisoners’ rights),” said Mr. Taik Tun Oo.
He added that the junta council lawlessly murdering the political prisoners and then sending a notice to inform the families of their deaths is akin to not valuing the lives of the political prisoners and added that the family of Mr. Kyaw Soe Win was not able to attend his burial on Sunday.