On February 5th, the Military Council released 65 inmates, consisting of both men and women, including 12 political prisoners who had been detained in Loikaw Jail in Karenni State, as confirmed by the Karenni Political Prisoner Association (KPPA).
Among the released political prisoners were 11 men and a woman, all of whom had completed serving their sentences since January; however, the Military Council delayed their release until February.
"Among the twelve individuals are those who were charged under Section 505 and Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Association Act, each receiving a three-year prison sentence. Despite being civilians, some were falsely accused of participating in resistance activities, and incarcerated”, Htar Pho, spokesperson for KPPA said.
He further noted that prisoners in Loikaw Jail are enduring harsh conditions, including inadequate food and bad healthcare support.
"We have received reports that the inmates have been confined to their cells for approximately two months due to escalating fighting around Loikaw. Consequently their health has significantly deteriorated. Some men are experiencing difficulty moving their legs and have become crippled. Additionally the prisoners are facing severe food shortages. The fish paste provided in the prison meals is inedible, and the quality of rice is extremely poor”, he told Kantarawaddy Times.
KPPA reaffirmed its call for sufficient provision of food and medicine for the prisoners, as well as the guarantee of all their entitled rights. KPPA also emphasized the need for prompt release of prisoners who have fully served their sentences upon completion of their terms.
KPPA and the Political Prisoners Network - Myanmar (PPNM) jointly issued a statement that the authorities continue to arbitrarily detain 20 prisoners who have already completed their sentences in Loikaw Jail. However, pro-Junta Telegram channels have refuted this statement as a false accusation. It was only on February 5th that the Military Council finally released these prisoners, whose release date had already passed.
