More than 50 political prisoners, including prominent pro-democracy activist Ko Wai Moe Naing, have joined a hunger strike in Sagaing’s Monywa prison that started four days ago, according to the strike committee.
The protest began when 14 political prisoners staged a hunger strike after their food, clothes, books and other possessions were seized during a special inspection by military and police intelligence personnel on Friday.
Lawyers have confirmed that Ko Wai Moe Naing, who is being held in solitary confinement, and another 36 political prisoners have joined the hunger strike, said the Myanmar Political Prisoners’ Network.
The 28-year-old anti-regime protest leader, a former student union leader and committee member, has been sentenced to 54 years in jail on nine charges. He faced 10 charges – including sedition, unlawful assembly, abduction with intent to murder, murder, and treason – for his role in Monywa’s protests after the February 2021 coup.
Three of the initial 14 who went on hunger strike have now lapsed into unconsciousness due to lack of food, said the Monywa People’s Strike Committee. However, the Prison Department has refused to provide them with medical attention and the prison clinic is closed, it added.
On Saturday, the director of the Prison Department declared the strike was illegal and the protesters would get no health care, the committee said.
“Prisoners demands – for the return of their possessions, easing of restrictions on delivery of food and other necessities, and proper health care – have not been met yet. This is a violation of the rights of prisoners,” a committee representative told The Irrawaddy
The original 14 political prisoners were moved to other cells on Friday, but then transferred back to the prison on Monday, according to the Myanmar Political Prisoners’ Network.
“We are now trying to spread information about the strike to international organizations. Meanwhile, people in Sagaing Region are supporting the strikers by conducting photo campaigns,” said U Thaik Tun Oo, a representative of the Myanmar Political Prisoners’ Network.
Monywa People’s Strike Committee said the protest is intensifying and the political prisoners will take further action if their demands are not met.
They were taking this drastic action out of concern for their health after their medicines and food were seized during the special inspection and they were refused medical care by prison officials, the committee reported.
