The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners Network (PPNM) has confirmed that several buildings at Obo Prison in Mandalay collapsed following an earthquake on March 29. The current situation regarding injuries and casualties is under investigation, with authorities working to assess the full extent of the damage and its impact on the prison population.
According to Ko Thet Tun Oo, a leading committee member of PPNM, many of the prison buildings were already in a state of severe deterioration before the earthquake. Of particular concern are the solitary confinement cells, which were reportedly in a near-collapsing condition even prior to the seismic event. While the exact number of affected inmates and the extent of injuries cannot be confirmed at this time, there is verified damage to several prison buildings. The situation is particularly concerning given the already deteriorating infrastructure of the facility and the vulnerable position of the inmates housed within.
The PPNM is actively investigating the conditions not only at Obo Prison but also at other correctional facilities throughout the Mandalay and Sagaing regions. The organization has committed to releasing verified information as it becomes available, maintaining transparency about the developing situation. This incident highlights the broader issues of infrastructure decay within Myanmar’s prison system and raises serious concerns about the safety and security of incarcerated individuals. The network emphasizes the importance of immediate assessment and action to prevent further potential disasters in these facilities, particularly given the age and condition of many prison buildings throughout the country.
