According to a source from the Prison Department, the temporary detention facility at Obo Prison in Mandalay has become severely tilted and is at risk of collapse following the powerful earthquake that struck on March 28, yet authorities continue to detain both male and female prisoners in the damaged structure. With aftershocks occurring daily in Mandalay, there is growing concern about the increasing danger of building collapse. However, inmates are reportedly too afraid to voice their concerns about the structural integrity due to the threat of physical abuse from prison authorities.
The main support pillar of the women’s temporary detention facility has noticeably tilted, while the men’s detention area shows significant cracks in its structure. Despite these dangerous conditions, prisoners continue to be held collectively in the facility from 11 AM to 2 PM daily. A prison department official revealed that with earthquakes occurring almost daily, there is a constant risk of building collapse at any moment. The situation has created significant anxiety among both inmates and some staff members, though the latter are unable to speak out due to fear of repercussions from higher authorities.
The Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM) reported that the March 28 earthquake caused structural damage to Obo Prison, where political prisoners are being held, resulting in at least four deaths and approximately twelve injuries. The prison buildings and walls were already in a state of deterioration before the earthquake, with most cell blocks nearly at the point of collapse. Officials have noted that the structures, which have been in use for many years, were already severely compromised due to age and overcrowding, significantly reducing their structural integrity. The combination of aging infrastructure, overcapacity conditions, and recent seismic activity has created an extremely dangerous situation for those detained within the facility, yet no alternative arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of the prisoners.
