In a recent statement, the Kalay Township Strike Committee (KTSC) emphasized that political prisoners held at Mawlike Kalay Prison, situated in Kalay Township of Sagaing Region, are being denied adequate medical treatment within the facility.
KTSC revealed that Ko Than Soe Oo, also called Gwato; Ko Myo Ko Win, also called Ko Myo Ko, Ma Hnin San, also called Ei San, and Ma Cyan Dik Kein, all members of KTSC, were arrested by the State Administration Council (SAC) on 16 April while participating in the Revolution of Water Festival campaign. Subsequently, they were subjected to torture at an interrogation centre, resulting in severe injuries. Despite the urgent need for medical care, prison officials have refused to treat them.
These four political prisoners were convicted of violating Article 505(a) for incitement, as well as Article 50(i), 50(j), and 52(a) of the Counter Terrorism Law and sentenced up to 10 years imprisonment.
KTSC’s statement reported a concerning outbreak of eye disease within the prison. Many other prisoners are suffering from this ailment without receiving adequate medical attention.
A KTSC representative also disclosed that political prisoners transferred from other regions to Mawlike Kalay are not provided sufficient food; they are compelled to subsist on rice with fish paste while many are in urgent need of emergency aid.
KTSC stressed that the international community’s condemnation of SAC is insufficient for the release of political prisoners in the country.
The situation for political prisoners is dire, with reports of brutal abuse, therefore it implored UN countries and humanitarian organisations to exert maximum pressure on the military regime to force it to provide prisoners of conscience with necessary aid.