Dozens of female inmates among hundreds of political prisoners transferred from Sittwe to Pathein

By Admin 03 Nov 2024

DMG Newsroom
3 November 2024, Sittwe

At least 30 female inmates were among hundreds of political prisoners from Sittwe Prison in the Arakan State capital transferred to Pathein Prison in neighbouring Ayeyarwady Region on October 8, according to sources close to Sittwe Prison and family members.

The female prisoners transferred to Pathein from Sittwe were jailed on political charges and some are still facing trials.

“As far as I know, female political prisoners are among hundreds of inmates transferred to Pathein from Sittwe. Some female prisoners still face trial. I don’t know exactly under which sections they were charged with,” said a family member of a political prisoner who was transferred to Pathein from Sittwe.

The regime transferred about 400 political prisoners from Sittwe Prison to Pathein Prison in Ayeyarwady Region in the second week of October.

Family members of the inmates are worried about the junta’s mass transfer.

“Prisoners may have difficulties with their health, food, and clothing in a new place. In this situation, it is impossible for family members to visit them,” said a family member of a prisoner from Byaing Phyu Village.

Families of those incarcerated are also struggling to make regular prison visits due to financial and transportation difficulties.

“We are allowed to make prison visits once a month. I won’t be able to make prison visits every month,” said a family member of a prisoner who was jailed on political charges including Section 505(a) of the Penal Code.

The regime has arrested and imprisoned civilians for a variety of reasons, including many women, since the coup.

From the military coup on February 1, 2021, to September of this year, 5,690 women were arrested and 4,072 remain detained, according to an Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) report.