Years added to political prisoners’ sentences for alleged escape attempt: former prisoner

A recently released prisoner from Magway Prison has alleged that 48 inmates were each handed additional seven-year sentences in 2025 over accusations of plotting a prison break, including one who died under torture during interrogation. The former political prisoner told Myanmar Now that the crackdown followed an attack by a resistance group on junta troops stationed inside the prison on April 13, 2025. According to the former inmate, prison authorities accused dozens of prisoners of involvement in an attempted prison escape and imposed the additional sentences in July 2025. “They labelled it an ‘attempted prison break’ and brutally beat and interrogated even prisoners who had no involvement before handing down the additional sentences,” the former prisoner said. “They are targeting these individuals because they are usually the ones who lead and take part in activities inside the prison.” Among those reportedly sentenced was political prisoner Myat Ko, an Islamic teacher who the former inmate said died after being tortured during interrogation. “During Ramadan, he was taken out separately for interrogation,” the former prisoner said. “He was tortured to death, and two days later, his family was allowed to collect the body and bury him according to Islamic rites.” The source said Myat Ko had frequently requested greater religious freedom for Muslim prisoners, which may have contributed to tensions with prison authorities. Others reportedly given additional seven-year sentences include Soe Thet, also known as Buddha Alin Yaung Sayadaw; lawyer Moe Zaw Oo of Monywa; former National League for Democracy member Kyaw Zin Oo of Mandalay; and Min Thway. Kyaw Zin Oo, who is also known by his pen name Kyaw Gyi, was arrested in Pyin Oo Lwin Township in 2022 and was already serving a 30-year prison term under Myanmar’s Counter-Terrorism Law. The former inmate alleged that Kyaw Zin Oo was severely beaten during the crackdown on prisoners accused of attempting to escape and was initially denied medical treatment for his injuries. “Kyaw Gyi suffered severe beatings, and as he was not given medical treatment at first, the flesh on his buttocks became necrotic,” the former prisoner said. “He later underwent surgery, with tissue taken from his thigh to replace the damaged area.” A woman close to Kyaw Zin Oo's family confirmed that she had heard he received an additional sentence related to an incident inside the prison. “Since the Magway incident, we know he was injured from torture,” said the woman, who requested anonymity. “His health is reportedly very poor. We haven’t had any contact since.” Under amendments made by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in August 2021, the scope of offences under Section 52a of the Counter-Terrorism Law, which deals with contact with groups designated as terrorist organisations, was broadened, and the mandatory prison term was increased from three to seven years. The former inmate said prison authorities have kept details of the alleged prison-break case confidential. An official from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said the organisation had received reports that numerous inmates at Magway Prison were given additional sentences and that some had been transferred to other facilities. Myanmar Now reviewed a letter recently sent from Magway Prison alleging that many inmates had received additional seven-year sentences and that some prisoners had been transferred to Insein Prison in Yangon. The letter also detailed harsh prison conditions, including inadequate medical care, shortages of doctors and medicine, overcrowding, and restrictions on water for bathing. It alleged that more than 60 prisoners were being held in cells designed for 30 inmates despite the existence of unused cells elsewhere in the facility. Magway Prison is located near the Magway-Yenangyaung highway about 10 miles from Magway’s city centre. It was the site of a violent clash in April 2025 between resistance fighters and junta forces stationed inside the compound. The number of casualties remains unclear, but reports indicate that two political prisoners, including Saw Shwe Aung, were killed and several others were injured. In a statement issued May 27, 2025, the Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM) said approximately 400 inmates were beaten and tortured following the attack, with around 200 political prisoners suffering severe injuries. Among those most seriously injured were former Minbu Township lawmaker Win Win and a prisoner identified as Ko Phyo. PPNM also alleged that prison authorities withheld medical treatment from injured inmates for more than a month after the attack and placed most political prisoners in solitary confinement as punishment.

Years added to political prisoners’ sentences for alleged escape attempt: former prisoner

At least 48 detainees were handed the sentences in connection with an incident at Magway Prison last year, including one who later died during interrogation

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