An interview with a spokesperson for the Karenni Political Prisoner Association (KPPA) about the possibility of prisoners being used as human shields in Loikaw Prison
Political prisoners say that the situation in Loikaw Prison has become stricter with concerns over supply shortages and they fear that the prisoners could be used as human shields.
They are concerned because the military council has imposed restrictions on visits to the prison since 11 November, the start of Operation 11.11, and because fighting broke out between Karenni resistance forces and Myanmar Army troops near the prison on 16 December.
According to former political prisoners, there are concerns that the prisoners in Loikaw Prison could be used as human shields. NMG interviewd the KPPA spokesperson about this situation.
Q: After the military arrested you, on what charge were you convicted and sent to Loikaw prison?
A: The military convicted me under Section 17-1 of the Unlawful Associations Act and I was sentenced to prison.
Q: There are reports that basic food and medical supplies for more than 500 prisoners in Loikaw prison may run out. Can you tell us about the situation and your experience in prison?
A: In January 2022, we were all locked up in the cells of the prison. Access to water was very limited. And getting food was extremely difficult. We ran out of salt. In the end, we couldn’t even eat. We had to eat leaves, which we wouldn’t eat under normal circumstances. And in terms of medical care, we normally had access to the prison clinic. But during the fighting, we did not have access to the clinic for a whole month. Then we got access once a month. The women had to give oxygen and administer life-saving injections because some of them fainted. We were faced with such hardships.
Q: When you compare your past and present experiences in prison, which situation do you think is worse?
A: In the past, when fighting broke out near the prison, it was sporadic. Even in this situation, it was extremely difficult to get food and supplies, and there were shortages of medicines. But now that the fighting has extended to the entire prison area over a longer period of time. The situation of the entire prison is on lockdown and fighting is worse than before. So getting food will be much more difficult. Medical care will be extremely poor. I think it has completely collapsed.
Q: Recently there was reports that the military council has sent supplies to the prisons by aircraft. Is that true? And what kind of supplies could they be sending?
A: From what I have heard from people close to the prison, it seems that supplies have been airdropped. I can’t say exactly what was in those airdrops. As far as I know, there are currently over 500 prisoners in Loikaw prison. So we are worried about them. When I contacted their family members, they were also very concerned, especially about whether they have enough food and rice.
Q: There are political prisoners and women political prisoners who have been imprisoned because of their political beliefs. How concerned should we be about them? What hardships could they face?
A: Women need to worry even more. Even during the fighting in 2022, 3-4 women suffered heart attack-like conditions and fainted. They had to be provided with life-saving injections and oxygen. Given the ongoing situation, their mental health could deteriorate further.
Q: If you yourself were a prisoner in this prison, was there any physical or psychological abuse by the military council during this time? Can you tell us about it, if you’re comfortable?
A: How should I put it? When we were arrested and detained, there were three stages. First, we were taken to the Regional Operations Command. Second, we were sent to the township police station. Third, we were taken to the prison. While in the ROC, we were blindfolded for nine days. Our hands were tied behind our backs the whole time. There was physical and mental abuse in the interrogation center. We were denied all our rights at the township police station. We were also threatened and intimidated by the police. Right after we entered the prison, we also faced intimidations.
For example, my older brother was locked up alone for almost three months. Being alone in such conditions is really exhausting. During the fighting, we were intimidated by the prison staff, but not by the soldiers, because they were outside the prison. But now the soldiers are back in the prison and we’re being intimidated again. Even in 2022, we were so intimidated by some staff. Given the current situation in Karenni State, the risk of abuse and oppression is very high.
Q: When was the last time you made contact with political prisoners in Loikaw prison?
A: I was able to contact the prisoners until shortly before Operation 11.11. We visited the prison just before the military operation began.
Q: As a political prisoner, what would you most like to tell the family members of the current prisoners? What would you most like to tell them?
A: I can’t speak for all the prisoners. Among the prisoners there are political prisoners, but also other criminals. And there are also battalion commanders who were imprisoned by the military. I’d like to say to the families of political prisoners, whom I know better, that political prisoners have a very strong mentality and conviction. And during our time in prison, our goal was always to get out of prison safely. They just believe in themselves and they’ll survive. Groups outside the prison are also trying their best to get the political prisoners released as soon as possible. So don’t worry too much, just give them time and keep praying for them. Their beliefs will keep them alive.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about the current situation in Loikaw prison in addition to all the news coming out?
A: We don’t know how long this fighting will continue. With the forces of both sides around the prison, it’s an emergency situation. On the basis of the human right to life, the prisoners should be allowed to live by the UN-affiliated organizations. And the ICRC, which always deals with prison issues, should also deal with this problem at this time, that is my advice.
Sent by NMG.