Forty political prisoners remain jailed
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Forty political prisoners remain in prisons across Myanmar and 127 activists are being prosecuted under various charges, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners and the Former Political Prisoners Society.
In spite of President Thein Sein’s pledge to detain no more political prisoners by last year, some 33 prisoners including Major Win Naing Kyaw have been serving jail time.
Of the 33, three were subsequently released after completing their jail term.
The AAPP and the FPPS said in the press release that the government kept some 10 prisoners, including journalists, in prison as of May.
The government is prosecuting a number of journalists charged under Section 18 for rallying in Pyay opposing the imprisonment of Democratic Voice of Burma journalist Zaw Phay. This is seen as a threat to the freedom of expression.
Regardless of the promise to free prisoners of conscience by last year, the government continues to arrest political activists, media professionals and farmers.
The two organisations are calling on the international community to apply pressure as Myanmar reforms go ahead.
They also voiced concern that the detentions of human rights activists are on the rise.
AAPP official Aung Myo Kyaw said the government has not respond to a written request to visit and inspect the living conditions of political prisoners.
