Myanmar Military Regime Frees Thousands Of Prisoners Due To Spike In Cases Of COVID-19 Infection In Prison

Myanmar residents crowd the courtyard of Insein Prison in Yangon, Myanmar waiting for the release of their relatives and friends. (Twitter/@Bago's Spring Revolution)

JAKARTA - Myanmar's military regime has released nearly 4.300 prisoners from prisons in the country since last week, as cases of COVID-19 infection spike among inmates, as well as unrest over lack of access to health services.

State media reported on Sunday that about 4.297 prisoners had been released since the junta announced plans to release certain categories of detainees, as a measure to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the country's detention centers.

According to the report, a total of 566 prisoners have contracted the disease since the start of the third wave of infections earlier this month, up from 375 cases less than a week ago.

Of those infected while behind bars, nine have died, the report added. No further details were given regarding this condition.

But, most observers say, the number of infections and deaths is likely much higher than the official figures announced by the military regime suggest.

Residents await the release of their relatives from prison in Yangon, Myanmar. (Twitter/@Bago's Spring Revolution)

According to Sunday's report, the majority or more of those released were from Yangon's Insein Prison, where 1.651 prisoners were released from Myanmar's largest prison.

Political prisoner

However, this release does not include the approximately 5.300 political prisoners who are currently serving prison sentences, for opposing the February 1 military coup against the regime in power.

Among those who contracted COVID-19 while in prison was Nyan Win, a senior executive member of the National League for Democracy (NLD), who died on July 20 after being transferred to Yangon General Hospital for treatment.

Despite having tested positive for COVID-19 after developing symptoms of the disease, the regime in its report said he died due to his health conditions and illnesses.

Meanwhile, a number of other prominent political prisoners have also been transferred to Yangon General Hospital on suspicion of contracting COVID-19, according to Tun Kyi of the Association of Political Prisoners.

Among them, he said, were Shwe Nya Wah Sayadaw, a well-known monk and outspoken military critic, student activist Min Thway Thit, NLD legal adviser Kyaw Ho, and NLD executive member Hanthar Myint.

Earlier, Moe Thu, a 42-year-old anti-coup protest leader from Khayan Township in Yangon County, died on July 22 while still being held in Insein Prison. Although his death was officially linked to a heart attack, his colleagues said he likely died of COVID-19.

Illustration of the arrest of Myanmar military anti-coup protesters. (Wikimedia Commons/Sithu Naina/VOA)

"He has no heart disease. We just assumed he contracted COVID-19 in prison. They just cremated him in Yangon. He was never brought back here", said a spokesman for the basic education union in Khayan.

Despite the high infection rate in prisons, no effort has been made to ensure released prisoners do not become infected with COVID-19, according to some of those allowed to leave.

"They checked their list about three times, and then they let us go", said one former inmate facing drug-related charges.

"They didn't even take our temperature. We just walked out to meet our family who was waiting for us at the gate. Everyone was wearing face masks", he added.

Separately, a relative of the released detainees said the lack of precautions showed the regime was not serious about protecting prisoners or the public from COVID-19.

"If they really try hard to contain the pandemic, they will test (COVID-19 tests) prisoners who will be released. Thinking about transportation and how to isolate them from others", he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Riot in prison

Separately, fears of COVID-19 have stoked tensions in Myanmar's overcrowded prisons, prompting some to protest within their walls.

Last Friday, people living near Insein Prison said they heard prisoners chanting anti-junta slogans for about an hour, starting at 7 a.m. It was reported that prison staff also joined in calling for the overthrow of the regime.

Witnesses said military trucks were later seen parked near the prison as the junta carried out a brutal crackdown that immediately silenced the protesters.

In a statement, prison authorities claimed some inmates rioted because they were not among those released, and because of the suspension of prison visits due to the pandemic.

Evacuation of victims of Myanmar military anti-coup demonstrations. (Twitter/@MizzimaNews)

According to the Political Prisoners Assistance Association (AAPP), the slogans began inwards for female prisoners, where the COVID-19 situation is reportedly very bad. The AAPP and other advocacy groups said about 20 political prisoners were placed in solitary confinement after the crackdown, which also left scores of detainees injured.

On Sunday evening, the junta announced through state media that the rumors and reports circulating were not true.

"According to the law, no one is allowed to carry weapons into the prison. Some negotiations are taking place. There is no crackdown or isolation", said Chan Aye Kyaw, deputy director of the prison department.

However, rights groups, relatives, and lawyers said they were unable to contact detainees believed to be involved in the protests. On Saturday, Zaw Zaw, director of the prison department, told Myanmar Now prison visits would remain suspended.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the International Committee of the Red Cross said it would monitor the situation closely. The committee also urged prison authorities to resume visits as soon as possible.

Regarding the Myanmar Coup. VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Civilian casualties continued to fall. You can follow the news about the Myanmar military coup by clicking this link.