Although the junta released prisoners from various prisons across the country, the amnesty did not apply to political prisoners from Loikaw Prison, according to the Karenni Political Prisoners Association (KPPA).
According to a KPPA official, political prisoners in Loikaw Prison were not granted amnesty, and only one-sixth of the remaining years of their sentences were commuted.
“I have not yet heard about the release of political prisoners from Loikaw Prison. They are not on the amnesty list. They will receive a reduced sentence. For instance, some political prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment and those with fixed-term sentences will have their punishments reduced,” said the KPPA official.
The military council announced the release of 5,864 prisoners from various prisons across the country to commemorate the 77th Anniversary of Independence Day.
The military council announced that 144 prisoners serving life sentences had their sentences commuted to 15 years of imprisonment.
Except for those imprisoned on charges such as the Counter-Terrorism Law, the Unlawful Associations Act, the Arms Act, the Anti-Corruption Law, the Narcotic Drugs Law, murder, rape, and the Natural Disaster Management Law, prisoners convicted under other charges had one-sixth of their sentences reduced.
There are over 400 prisoners in Loikaw Prison, including more than 120 political prisoners. The KPPA official added that, since most of the prisoners are serving long sentences, they only receive a reduction in their sentences.
He said that prisoners in Loikaw Prison are in need of healthcare services, but prison visits are currently banned.
The KPPA official said, “Loikaw Prison is responsible for providing adequate healthcare and food. If there is a lack of proper healthcare and nutrition, the prisoners are at risk of their lives and health. Loikaw Prison must take responsibility for this.”
“We would like to demand that the human rights and basic rights of all prisoners be fully protected,” the official said.
According to a 4 January statement by the Political Prisoners Network – Myanmar (PPNM), political prisoners from six prisons, including Bhamo, Kawthoung, NyaungU, Gangaw, and Loikaw, were not included in the amnesty.
Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the military council, stated that out of the 5,864 released prisoners, around 600 were political prisoners. However, according to the PPNM, only 211 political prisoners have been released from 24 prisons across the country.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times
