The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners Network (PPNM) has confirmed that seven political prisoners were killed when drone bombs struck Obo Prison in Mandalay. The incident occurred on August 8 at approximately 10:30 AM when three drone bombs targeted Male Wards 4 and 6 of the prison, with two of the bombs detonating upon impact. PPNM Central Committee member Ko Thet Tun Oo confirmed that seven political prisoners were killed instantly in the explosion, with additional prisoners sustaining injuries in the attack.
The military council has denied responsibility for the incident while simultaneously accusing and interrogating political prisoners, claiming they were involved in the bombing. Reports indicate that the military council has been physically abusing and torturing political prisoners, including those who were already injured in the bombing. PPNM is currently investigating both the current condition of the political prisoners and the perpetrators behind the drone strike. The organization has stated that the death toll may exceed seven prisoners, with detailed information about casualties to be released soon.
According to PPNM’s statement, they strongly condemn any targeting of prisoners, whether by the military council or revolutionary forces, emphasizing that political prisoners are not military targets. The organization stressed that all political prisoners have the fundamental right to life and that their human rights must be protected by all parties involved. PPNM has committed to continuing its efforts to protect the rights of political prisoners, including their basic human right to life, and has issued a strong protest against any attacks targeting political prisoners who are already unjustly detained in prisons.
