Many political prisoners in Yangon’s Insein Prison have begun a hunger strike on Tuesday in protest against the junta’s executions of four pro-democracy activists, a prison source told The Irrawaddy.
The executions of Ko Jimmy, Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, Ko Hla Myo Aung and Ko Aung Thura Zaw were reported in junta-controlled newspapers on July 25.
Former National League for Democracy lawmaker Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw and veteran democracy activist Ko Jimmy were sentenced to death in January by a military tribunal under the Counterterrorism Law for masterminding an armed struggle.
Political prisoners in Insein are staging a hunger strike to honor and mourn the four. As the first executions in more than three decades, there are concerns for other political prisoners on death row.
Meanwhile, there has been more oppression and threats toward political prisoners, said sources.
A source said: “The prison authorities are always saying it only costs them a sheet of paper if prisoners are beaten to death. They say a student union member will be among those hanged next time.”
Political prisoners in Insein have called on people to condemn the junta’s atrocities against civilians and take revenge for the bloodshed.
They have also staged other protests, including silent strikes and ignoring prison staff, to condemn the executions.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, 119 anti-regime activists have been sentenced to death, 42 of whom in absentia, since the 2021 coup.
