Families concerned for safety of Thandwe Prison inmates

By Admin 01 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
1 July 2024, Thandwe

Family members have expressed concerns for the safety of Thandwe Prison inmates in Arakan State’s Thandwe as fighting has intensified in the township and closed in on the town.

They have called on the regime to release or transfer them to safer detention facilities. Junta troops have been deployed at the prison.

“Prisoners will suffer unnecessarily if the fighting breaks out. So, we want them to be released, or the regime must guarantee their safety,” said a Thandwe resident.

Hundreds of inmates including political prisoners are being held at Thandwe Prison, according to sources close to the prison.

In Mrauk-U, the regime killed seven prisoners including jailed reporter Phoe Thiha in Mrauk-U in the days prior to the AA seizing control of the town. Some prisoners also died during fighting in Kyauktaw.

In Buthidaung, the Arakkha Army (AA) had to rescue 98 inmates, including 31 political prisoners, trapped in the fighting.

Police released 48 detainees kept at the Maungdaw Town police station before deserting on June 24, according to residents.

Family members have not been able to meet with prisoners in Thandwe due to fighting and travel restrictions imposed by the regime.

“We have concerns for inmates kept in Thandwe Prison,” said a social activist from Arakan State. “No matter what crimes they have committed, they have nothing to do with the fighting. So, the regime should contact family members and release the prisoners if it can’t guarantee their safety.”

The fighting has been moving closer to Thandwe Town since the AA launched an offensive in April, with the AA seizing control of Thandwe Airport last month.