A Tharawaddy prisoner staging a hunger strike has been transferred to Rangoon General Hospital, as his condition deteriorates dramatically.

[related]

Phyo Dana, who joined the hunger strike on 2 November, was diverted to the hospital on 11 November en route to a court appearance.

“Ko Phyo Dana has a stomach problem. As his hunger strike entered the ninth day he was sent to the hospital as an emergency case. He was still conscious but his health situation is quite serious,” said Le Le New, the wife of fellow detainee and hunger striker Aung Hmaing San.

She added that her husband instigated the hunger strike in Tharawaddy prison on 23 October, and is also under medical care at the hospital.

Thirteen detained students have joined the hunger strike, calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners.

In Myingyan prison, Sithu Myat and Soe Hlaing also began a hunger strike on 2 November, and reportedly have begun refusing water, according to the Student Union newsletter.

Read more about the Tharawaddy detainees here.