In HPA-AN, Karen State, the political prisoners held inside Hpa-An Prison are facing ongoing repression, including solitary confinement and abuse by prison authorities, according to the Political Prisoners Network – Myanmar (PPNM).
Since June 14, twelve political prisoners have been placed in solitary confinement for three months, during which one prisoner reportedly died. The remaining detainees are still being held under these conditions, facing food shortages, forced labor, and regular beatings, said Ko Thike Tun Oo, a member of PPNM’s leading committee.
“They are still in solitary confinement. On top of that, prison authorities enter and beat them as they wish. The authorities are working to ensure no news leaks to the outside world. Political prisoners’ lives are treated like those of chickens or sparrows, they can be taken at any time,” he said.
Ma Yaung Ni Lin, a spokesperson for PPNM, added that authorities have forced prisoners to clean prison corridors and walls with water during harsh weather conditions.
“From 9 to 10 a.m., whether under the scorching sun or pouring rain, they must do it. Prisoners in solitary confinement are even threatened with death. Conditions in Hpa-An Prison are extremely harsh,” she said.
Hpa-An Prison is estimated to hold around 1,800 prisoners, including political detainees. Food and shelter are provided solely at the discretion of prison authorities, often leading to shortages.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), between the military coup on February 1, 2021, and September 8, 2025, a total of 29,641 people have been unlawfully arrested across Myanmar, with 22,373 still being held in prisons nationwide.
