Imprisoned former Arakan State chief minister needs eye surgery

By DMG 21 Nov 2022

DMG Newsroom
21 November 2022, Sittwe 

Former Arakan State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison by Myanmar’s military regime, is reportedly suffering from a cataract in his left eye and needs urgent treatment. Family members have called on the regime to allow him to undergo a surgery as soon as possible. 

“My father is old, and we are concerned about his health. If possible, he should be allowed to receive surgery as quickly as possible,” said U Nyi Pu’s daughter Ma Kyi Kyi Oo. 

U Nyi Pu developed the cataract while he was serving as Arakan State’s chief minister from 2016 to 2021, but he was too busy to undergo a surgery at that time, and his eye problem has worsened since he was detained during the military coup on February 1, 2021, according to relatives. 

U Nyi Pu was sentenced to two years in prison with hard labour for incitement in October 2021, followed by nine years on three counts of corruption, and two years for electoral fraud. 

Relatives learned about his deteriorating eye condition from those recently released from prison, and U Nyi Pu has formally asked prison authorities by letter to be allowed to receive treatment. 

Family members have not yet been allowed to visit the former Arakan State chief minister, nor have prison authorities informed relatives about U Nyi Pu’s condition, said Ma Kyi Kyi Oo. 

U Nyi Pu’s wife Daw Win Kyi was most recently denied a prison visit in August, according to relatives, who say that although they remain unable to visit him in Sittwe Prison, family members are allowed to send food and other items to the former chief minister. 

U Nyi Pu was arrested on the day of the coup and was subsequently placed under house arrest. He was taken into full custody again on February 10, 2021, to face prosecution, after he shared a video file critical of the coup on social media. 

A veteran lawyer from Arakan State said detainees suffer from extended denials of prison visits.  

“If Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed, relatives should be allowed prison visits. If authorities have concerns, they can impose tight checks on visitors and thoroughly check parcels. Prisoners will be able to communicate their concerns and needs to family members if prison visits are allowed,” he said. 

Sources close to Sittwe Prison said prison visits are ostensibly banned in line with Covid-19 restrictions. Family members say any such restrictions should be lifted as Covid-19 cases have declined significantly.