Five political prisoners were rearrested at the gate of Thayarwaddy Prison in Bago Region immediately after completing their sentences, and authorities are preparing to charge them under terrorism-related laws, according to the Myanmar Political Prisoners Network (PPNM).
On 1 October, Thayarwaddy Prison released 30 inmates, 16 political prisoners and 14 other prisoners following the completion of their prison terms. However, six of the political prisoners were detained again at the gate by officials from the military junta’s Ministry of Home Affairs and were taken to Thayarwaddy Police Station in a police vehicle.
While one of the six was later released, the remaining five were returned to Thayarwaddy Prison. PPNM reported that preparations are now underway to prosecute them under terrorism-related charges.
The five had previously been imprisoned under Section 505 of the Sedition Act and Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Association Act, the group added. PPNM confirmed the identities of four of the five individuals rearrested, one of whom is a woman.
“This shows the severity of the military’s repression in Myanmar and demonstrates that political prisoners are being intentionally targeted.
The release of political leaders and detainees depends on the progress of the revolution. Therefore, it is our duty to continue doing everything we can,” said Ko Thaik Htun Oo, a member of PPNM’s Steering Committee.
PPNM condemned the re-arrests, describing them as politically motivated and based on fabricated terrorism charges. The group argued that such actions violate the fundamental rights of individuals who have already served their sentences and urged international human rights organizations to monitor the treatment of political detainees in Myanmar.
Since 2023, the military has systematically rearrested former political prisoners, according to PPNM. At least 10 individuals who were previously released including National League for Democracy (NLD) youth leader Ma Moe San Suu Kyi, have been detained again and face additional charges in 2025.
