Six female political prisoners have been confirmed dead following the collapse of two women’s dormitory buildings at Mandalay’s Obo Prison, caused by an earthquake that struck on March 28. The Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM) has confirmed the deaths of these political prisoners, who have been identified as Ma Moe Thu Zar Khaing, Daw Lae Lae Soe, Daw Khin Ohn Shwe, Ma Kay Kay Win, Ma Pa Pa Win, and Ma Phyu Wai Wai.
According to Ko Thet Tun Oo, a leading committee member of the Political Prisoners Network Myanmar, prison authorities have not yet made any official announcement regarding these deaths, suggesting an attempt to suppress information about the incident. He assessed that this silence might be due to concerns about exposing the prison’s inadequate management and security issues. There are also concerns that the actual death toll could be higher than currently reported.
The earthquake has caused significant structural damage throughout the Mandalay Prison complex, with multiple buildings showing signs of cracking and tilting. Despite these dangerous conditions, the military authorities continue to detain prisoners in these compromised structures. Family members of political prisoners have expressed grave concerns about this situation, highlighting the serious safety risks faced by those currently detained in the facility. The continued use of damaged buildings for prisoner detention has raised significant alarm among human rights observers and families of the detained, who fear for the safety and well-being of those remaining in custody.
