Three political prisoners detained at Loikaw Prison in Karenni State have died in the five years since the military seized power, according to the Karenni Political Prisoners Association (KPPA).

According to a KPPA member, the three political prisoners died between 2022 and 2024.

“Two of them died in 2022. One died inside Loikaw Prison and was 21 years old. The other died at Myoma police station. At that time, three children were left behind while breaking out of detention. Those three underage children were being kept at Loikaw Prison. The police had already detained him, and a police officer, unable to control his emotions, shot and killed him. The third person was released in 2024 but died shortly afterward,” the KPPA member said.

Among the three deaths, one political prisoner died due to inadequate healthcare inside Loikaw Prison, one was shot and killed by police while being detained at the Myoma police station, and one died after being released from prison as a result of injuries sustained during imprisonment. KPPA released this information on February 3.

According to KPPA’s available records, there are a total of 293 political prisoners, of whom 209 have been released, while 84 remain in detention.

Regarding the conditions of those still imprisoned, a KPPA member said, “Most political prisoners are still in a situation where families are not allowed to send prison parcels. So their food, living conditions, and healthcare will be very difficult. These are basic needs that they also need.”

In January, KPPA also appealed for urgent assistance, stating that prisoners at Loikaw Prison are in need of food, personal hygiene items, and medicines. Many assistance needs still remain at present.