75 political prisoners still behind bars: AAPP
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The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) says there are 75 political prisoners still in prison and another 121 awaiting trial for their activities in the country, in a report released on Monday.
The association’s October report said eight activists face legal actions and 26 were penalised for their activities though 21 political prisoners were released from prisons in October.
The suppression of media in the country and the use of Section 18 to stifle political dissent remain of paramount concern, it said. The report, citing the mysterious death of freelance reporter Aung Kyaw Naing, said human rights violations are at the forefront.
Myanmar freed more than 3,000 prisoners on October 7 as part of a presidential amnesty. Among them included only one political prisoner officially recognised by organisations working for affairs of the political prisoners.
