Vox Pop: Upon learning of Sittwe prisoners' transfer, 'I felt like the whole world became dark'

By Admin 25 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
25 October 2024, Sittwe 

Myanmar's military regime earlier this month transferred about 400 political prisoners including residents of Byaing Phyu Village - site of a massacre and subsequent, apparent attempt to silence the survivors - from Sittwe Prison in the Arakan State capital. Family members were not informed about the transfer, reportedly to the penitentiary in neighbouring Ayeyarwady Region's Pathein, and they have lost contact with the prisoners since then.

Some of these family members, including the wives of three prisoners and the son of one, recently shared with DMG their reactions to the transfer of the inmates from Sittwe Prison. 

Daw Khaing Htay Oo 

Seven members of my family including my husband were jailed. They were just boatmen and did not have any ties to any organisation. They were sentenced to three years in prison under Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act. At first, I was at ease as we were in the same town. I heard they were transferred to Pathein Prison [in Ayeyarwady Region]. I still haven't had contact with them since.

I am seriously worried about his well-being. I am concerned that he might be subjected to inhumane treatment. I don't think he is given proper food. I am concerned for his safety and health.

Life has become a lot harder since he was arrested. I have been away from home due to the fighting. I can't work due to poor health. I am struggling with two children and an elderly mother. I am distressed that I can do nothing to stop them [the regime] from doing injustice.

Daw Ma Nu

When I heard the news, I felt like the whole world became dark. I was deeply depressed and could not eat for a week. I was unable to express myself. I am in my 50s, and I can't do hard work. My husband is 57. I am afraid he won't be able to come back. We have lost our home. One of my children was murdered. I have lost many things.

I could not visit him while he was in Sittwe Prison. I don't know where he is now. I have concerns about his safety. Since I was displaced by the fighting, I have been struggling to make ends meet. I have received no help from organisations and charities. As I can't work, I scrape by on some money provided by my children.

Wife of an inmate transferred from Sittwe Prison

I have lost contact with him since the day they were reportedly transferred. I am concerned for his health, safety and diet. I could not afford to visit once a month even when he was in Sittwe Prison. It is now even more difficult for me to visit him after he was transferred to a prison outside of Arakan State.

We were manual workers, and I haven't had an income since he was arrested. Now, I am taking shelter at a monastery and surviving on food supplied by donors.

Son of an inmate transferred from Sittwe Prison

My father is over 60 years old. Many old men like my father were transferred to other prisons. They were [sentenced to] three years though they didn't break any law. We know it was not fair, but we could do nothing.

Family members had been at ease because they were kept at Sittwe Prison. They hope they will see them again after their terms are served. After we heard prisoners were transferred, it was like the hopes of the entire family were shattered. We are worried that something bad will happen to them. We can only pray for their safety.