Two political prisoners killed in ‘confrontation’ at Magway Prison
At least two political prisoners were killed and five were injured by prison staff when they opened fire during a “confrontation” inside Magway Prison in Magway Region on April 13, the Political Prisoners Network of Myanmar (PPNM) told DVB. This followed fighting between the People’s Defence Force (PDF) and regime forces outside the prison.
“When fighting broke out between the PDF and regime troops, some prisoners attempted to escape,” Thaik Tun Oo, the PPNM spokesperson, told DVB on Friday. He claimed that the bodies of the prisoners killed have not been returned to their families but were instead cremated by prison authorities.
Seventy out of 115 prisoners scheduled to be released from Magway Prison during the regime amnesty on April 17 were set free, according to released prisoners who spoke to DVB on the condition of anonymity. Jailed Magway Region Chief Minister Aung Moe Nyo and Parliament Speaker U Tar are two high profile political prisoners being held at Magway Prison.
A total 8,873 political prisoners released since 2021 coup
DVB data states that the regime in Naypyidaw has released a total of 106,810 prisoners in 18 amnesties since it seized power after the military coup on Feb. 1, 2021. But only 8,873, or 8.31 percent of those freed, have been political prisoners. PPNM documented 378 political prisoners among the 4,893 prisoners released in the latest regime amnesty.
“[The regime] keeps political prisoners because it fears increased resistance if they are released,” Thaik Tun Oo told DVB. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) has documented that 22,197 out of 29,030 arrested since the 2021 coup remain behind bars in prisons nationwide.
Aung Myo Kyaw from AAPP told DVB that the regime is using amnesties to improve their image abroad. He called for the release of all political prisoners, including jailed State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Min Aung Hlaing for releasing prisoners during a meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 17.
Thousands still in need over three weeks after the earthquake
At least 140 aftershocks as high as magnitude 5.9 have occurred following the initial tremors that followed the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 29, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
“Frequent strong aftershocks continue to shake central Myanmar almost daily, increasing fear and uncertainty,” the U.N. stated on April 18. “Living conditions have deteriorated sharply—thousands are still sleeping in the open.”
The U.N. added that over 4.3 million people need clean water and sanitation since 42,000 latrines have collapsed and water systems have been crippled with widespread power cuts. The death toll from the earthquake is 4,410 with 11,366 injured, according to DVB data.
News by Region
ARAKAN—The Arakan Army (AA) did not allow any public Thingyan events in areas under its control April 13-16, according to residents. The AA prohibited residents from gathering in large numbers given the threat of regime air and artillery attacks.
“No Thingyan pavilions [were] built, so, there [were] no Thingyan festivities this year,” a resident living in a township controlled by the AA told Lay Waddy FM. Regime Chief Minister Htein Lin hosted a Thingyan event in the state capital Sittwe.
KAREN—A frontline source told DVB that the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) seized a regime outpost in Myawaddy Township, located near the Burma-Thailand border across from Mae Ramat District of Tak Province, on Saturday. No casualties were reported.
Fighting over control of the Mophasu outpost in Myawaddy led to the displacement of 247 civilians, who fled their homes across the border into Thailand, according to the Royal Thai Army. Myawaddy is located 80 miles (128 km) east of the state capital Hpa-An.
SHAN—Residents of Nyaungshwe Township told DVB that construction material prices, including bamboo and thatch, have risen following the March 28 earthquake. Nyaungshwe is located 18 miles (28 km) south of the state capital Taunggyi.
“We are in a lot of difficulties with the prices rising like this,” a resident who lost his home told DVB. A total of 3,255 residential buildings, including monasteries and hotels, near the tourist hot spot of Inle Lake were destroyed during the March 28 earthquake, according to aid groups.
(Exchange rate: $1 USD = 4,420 MMK)
