Conflicts & War

1 killed, 8 critically injured in Myanmar jail riot

Bangkok, Jan 7 (EFE).- At least one inmate was killed and eight others seriously injured during a riot at a prison in Myanmar’s Pathein city, some 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Yangon, a human rights nonprofit reported.

“On the night of January 5 political prisoners were severely tortured by prison staff and many police forces in Pathein Prison. The beatings are still continuing today,” the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said in a statement on Friday night.

“It is reported that a political prisoner Win Min Thant (aka Mae Gyi) was killed from the assault, though the death is still being confirmed. 8 political prisoners are reportedly receiving medical treatments in the new Pathein Hospital and are in life-threatening condition,” added the organization, which described the incident as “a serious and blatant violation of human rights.”

The riot began on Thursday when prison guards beat an inmate found with a mobile phone, US nonprofit Radio Free Asia reported.

The prison staff also cracked down on Friday on other prisoners who protested against the beating.

During the crackdown, Win Min Thant received three bullets in the head and died on the spot, Tun Kyi, a leading member of a rights group, told RFA.

Another 60 people were injured, among whom eight are in critical condition, he added.

The incident occurred after the Myanmar military junta on Wednesday granted amnesty to 7,012 prisoners, including some 300 prisoners of conscience, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the country’s independence.

On Feb.1, 2021, a military coup in Myanmar plunged the country into a deep political, economic, and social crisis, which has aggravated armed ethnic conflicts raging in the country for decades.

At least 2,707 people have been killed due to the brutal repression by security forces, who have shot to kill peaceful and unarmed protesters, and more than 13,270 remain in detention, according to the nonprofit Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. EFE

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