On December 20th, the Political Prisoners Network - Myanmar (PPN-Myanmar) reported that over 500 inmates in Loikaw Prison are now in danger of becoming human shields with conflicts spreadingcloser to the prison. Junta troops have repurposed the facility as a stronghold for defensive operations to hang onto the Karenni capital.

U ThaikOo from the PPPN told MNJ,“ These daysthe Military Council's troops and prison guards are using prisoners as human-shields. Loikaw Prison currently holds over 500 inmates, both male  and female, including about 140 political prisoners. They also suffer shortages of food and medicine. Prisoners are deployed as human-shields  in their operations in which Loikaw Prison has now become a fort.”

He added that, "The resistance forces' offensive to capture Loikaw, has led the Military Council to cease helicopter deliveries of food to prisoners. Now helicopters only supply the Prison Department staff, aggravating the inmates' urgent need for food and medicine. The Loikaw Political Prisoners Association, in collaboration with our organization, has been closely monitoring this situation for about a week”.

PPN-Myanmar and its allies and are always alert to provide aid for the prisoners who are in need of urgent assistance”, PPN-Myanmar’s statement said. Likewise during the heightened clashes in 2022, inmates at Loikaw Prison encountered challenges regarding access to food and medicine.