The Political Prisoners Network of Myanmar (PPNM) announced today (June 7) that over 70 people died in Mandalay’s Obo Prison due to collapsed buildings during the major Sagaing earthquake.
Among the deceased, at least 49 were political prisoners. The PPNM stated that the military council has not released any information and has imposed a media blackout on the incident.
“We must question why the military council hasn’t released information about the prison deaths, especially since they weren’t caused by the military but by a natural disaster. International organizations like the ICRC, which are concerned with prisons, need to pressure the military council to allow access to assess the situation inside the prisons. If they are denied access, it should be publicly disclosed,” a Monywa-based activist told MPA.
The PPNM also reported that political prisoners inside Obo Prison are isolated from information within the four walls, and their families and the public outside remain unaware of the true situation. They haven’t even been able to hold memorial services for the deceased.
It is understood that the mass casualties were not only due to the strong earthquake but also because the old prison buildings were overcrowded.
The major Sagaing earthquake, which occurred on March 28, caused numerous deaths and injuries in both Sagaing and Mandalay.
Editor: ML
Photo: Google / Caption: Obo Prison.
