U Kyaw Soe, also known as U Zaw Nhit, a political prisoner serving a 10-year sentence in Thayarwaddy Prison in Bago Region, has died due to heart disease and hypertension after receiving inadequate medical care, according to the Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM). U Kyaw Soe was arrested on November 10, 2021, at Hlegu Township Police Station under Section 50(h) of the Counter-Terrorism Law and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The death occurred on May 23 due to insufficient medical treatment within the prison. The situation in Myanmar’s prisons reflects a broader crisis of inadequate medical care, where political prisoners and other inmates suffer from various diseases, lose access to necessary medical treatment, and experience deteriorating health conditions. Those with pre-existing conditions face worsening symptoms, sometimes leading to preventable deaths that would not occur under proper medical care.
According to PPNM’s statement, the total number of deaths due to inadequate medical care in prisons has reached 10 as of June 1. Human rights observers point out that this lack of proper medical care in prisons constitutes a violation of prisoners’ basic human rights, particularly noting the inhumane treatment of political prisoners. The systematic denial of adequate healthcare in detention facilities has become a serious concern, highlighting the urgent need for improved medical services and humanitarian treatment of all prisoners, especially those detained for political reasons.
