At least 17 political prisoners have died in Myanmar prisons so far in 2025 due to being denied proper medical treatment, according to the Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar (PPNM).
Despite these reported deaths, the junta-run state newspaper on 26 July claimed that all prisoners are being examined daily for illnesses, treated at prison hospitals, and, when necessary, transferred to general hospitals outside the prison system.
The junta also asserted that U Pyay Sone Aung, an NLD executive, and Ma Wut Yee Aung, a central executive member of the Dagon University Students' Union – both of whom recently died in custody – had received adequate medical attention.
However, relatives and associates of the deceased political prisoners dispute those claims.
“The entire prison system is inherently oppressive. Even healthy young men suffer from malnutrition due to poor diets, making them vulnerable to infections and illnesses that ultimately prove fatal,” said Ko Thaik Htun Oo, a member of the PPNM.
The junta continues to deny the existence of political prisoners, insisting that all detainees are incarcerated based on existing laws. They have publicly claimed that Ma Wut Yee Aung was imprisoned for breaking the law, not for political activity.
But Ko Wai Yan Phyo Moe, a former political prisoner and member of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU), described a prison system plagued by corruption and systemic neglect.
“Those with money can buy their way to better treatment. Wealthy inmates pay hundreds of thousands of kyats monthly for better food, beds, and privileges. Meanwhile, seriously ill prisoners are barely treated—they’re sent back to their cells before they recover,” he told Mizzima.
Ko Wai Yan Phyo Moe was imprisoned for more than four years in Insein and Tharyarwaddy prisons following the 2021 military coup. Based on his experience, he said political prisoners face particular difficulties accessing external medical care.
As of 25 July, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) reports that 29,448 people have been arrested since the coup. Of those, 22,222 remain in detention, and 10,914 have been sentenced.
