Brutal Assault on Political Prisoners Inside Hpa-An Taungkalay Prison Raises Alarm on Systematic Abuse and Impunity

May 9, 2025

On April 30, 2025, two political prisoners—Ko Kyaw Kyaw Myint, serving a 15-year sentence, and Ko Min Thu Soe, serving a 4-year sentence—were severely beaten by a group of criminal inmates inside Hpa-An’s Taungkalay Prison, Kayin State. The attack took place in full view of prison authorities and is part of a growing pattern of violence targeting political detainees under the current military junta’s prison system.

Based on testimonies from HURFOM’s trusted sources inside the prison, the incident began after the two political prisoners asked about the delay in receiving their regular meal. In response, a prison staff member, identified as Officer Htet Naing, reportedly instructed a criminal inmate to “deliver a message.” That message became a coordinated, violent assault. As Ko Kyaw Kyaw Myint began to speak, he was struck on the back of the head with a cement block wrapped in a longyi by an inmate known as “Spaniard.” Another inmate, Min Min (alias Varpyae), joined the assault using a similar weapon. Multiple others—Min Htet (alias Bobo), Paung Chain, and Nwar Gyi—participated in the beating. Simultaneously, Ko Min Thu Soe was targeted and beaten by at least 10 individuals, including known gang members from a prison group called the “Bar Code Gang,” a network allegedly fostered by prison authorities to suppress political prisoners through intimidation and violence.

Both political prisoners sustained serious injuries. Ko Kyaw Kyaw Myint suffered lacerations to his head requiring three stitches, swelling across his body, facial bruising, and an injured elbow. Ko Min Thu Soe endured seven head wounds requiring sutures, a deep cut above his left eyebrow, and extensive facial trauma. Shockingly, the assault occurred just steps from the dormitory supervisor’s office. Yet, prison officers—including Lt. Aung Yae Naing, Sgt. Win Maung, and Sgt. Thein Than Oo (alias Pyaung Gyi)—failed to intervene. Although 12 inmates carried out the attack, only five have reportedly been detained for questioning, and no prison officials have been held accountable.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), as of May 6, 2025, a total of 29,116 people have been arrested in connection with the coup and subsequent repression. Of these, 22,199 individuals remain in detention, and 10,792 have been sentenced. These figures reflect the scale of the junta’s efforts to crush dissent and criminalize any form of resistance, further underlining the dangers faced by political prisoners in custody.

HURFOM’s documentation has consistently shown the widespread mistreatment of political prisoners across southeastern Burma, particularly in Dawei, Kyaikmayaw, Hpa-An, and Thaton prisons. Torture, denial of medical care, solitary confinement, and orchestrated beatings have become routine forms of abuse. The case in Taungkalay Prison underscores the junta’s deliberate use of criminal networks inside detention centers to torment political prisoners. HURFOM calls for immediate independent investigations, protection for political prisoners, and international pressure to dismantle state-sponsored abuse inside Burma’s jails. The international community must act urgently to hold perpetrators accountable and protect those who continue to suffer unjustly behind bars.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News