Mizzima News

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – A political prisoner suffered a stroke while serving his prison term in Buthitaung prison, in western Burma, according to sources close to the prison.

Political activist Maung Maung Thet (20), hailing from Tungup Township, Rakhine State, reportedly suffered a stroke after which he could not move his arms or legs.

A source close to the prison said that cells inside the prison are always wet and damp, factors which could contribute toward the occurrence of a stroke.

The detainee in question, along with political prisoners including Moe Naing Soe, Chit Maung Maung and Than Lwin, was beaten last Union Day, February 12, by prison ward Sein Tun for purportedly communicating between prison cells.

Bo Kyi, Joint Secretary of the Thai-based Association for Assistance to Political Prisoners-Burma (AAPP-B), told Mizzima that those who were punished for communication while detained from Tungup Township and serving four-and-a-half years each under sections 505(b) and 295 of the Penal Code.

But he added that he knew only that their health situation is deteriorating, absent of any details.

Political prisoners in Buthitaung, unlike criminal lock-ups, are not allowed to exercise.

AAPP-B said that 88 Generation student leader Ko Htay Kywe, Aung Zaw Oo (HRDP), U Han Sein (NLD), Kyaw Min, Pyi Phyo Hlaing, Si Thu Maung, U Tun Nyo, Uzin U Pyi Kyaw, Chit Maung Maung, Than Lwin, Maung Maung Thet, Moe Naing Soe, Moe Kyaw, Aung Naing Min, Khin Hla, Zaw Naing and Ma Ni Ni May Myint are also among the political prisoners currently being held in Buthitaung prison.

In sum there are about 1,200 inmates in Buthitaung, most of who are members of the Rohingya minority. 

Sources close to the prison said those detained suffer discrimination and oppression at the hands of prison authorities, in addition to stints of forced labor.

According to AAPP-B, there are over 2,100 political prisoners across Burma.