Myanmar prisons are holding 89 political prisoners as of the end of July, the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP) said in a report released on Wednesday. The group condemned the authorities’ use of poorly written and archaic laws to suppress journalists and political activists.
Among the 89 prisoners, AAPP said 39 are serving prison sentences, while 50 are awaiting trial in prison. An additional 136 continue to await trial outside of prison.
AAPP said the “systematic persecution of journalists” and political activists reflects Aung San Suu Kyi’s lack of concern for human rights and her government’s willingness to employ the same tactics as previous regimes to stifle criticism.
“The behavior of previous regimes regarding media censorship and restrictions on freedom of expression should now also be expected…The promises made a year ago are unlikely to be upheld,” the report said.
Over the last three months, six journalists have been arrested in Myanmar, including three who were charged under the colonial-era Unlawful Associations Act for reporting on an event organized by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army.
Earlier this month, the head of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission visited the three reporters in the Hsipaw prison. After speaking with them at length about the events leading up to their arrest, the commissioner declared that the reporters had not broken any laws.
The commission plans to submit a report on its findings to the Union government.
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