Political Prisoner Aung Naing Soe Dies After Severe Beating in Hpa-an Prison; Junta Falsely Blame Heart Disease

July 25, 2025

HURFOM: The Myanmar Political Prisoners Network (PPNM) has confirmed that political prisoner Aung Naing Soe, also known as Kayin Lay, died after being brutally beaten by prison staff at Hpa-an Prison in Karen State. Despite eyewitness accounts and credible findings, the prison authorities have falsely reported his cause of death as heart failure.

Aung Naing Soe had been serving a seven-year prison sentence under Penal Code Section 505(a). According to PPNM’s internal investigation, on July 21, 2025, he was pulled out during the evening lockdown and viciously beaten by approximately 30 prison staff. He later died from the injuries inflicted during the attack.

He had been left behind during a routine inmate relocation and placed in a section known for housing elderly prisoners, reportedly due to unrelated charges. The beating was triggered by an accusation that he was involved in a verbal dispute with other inmates. Instead of a fair inquiry, he was forcibly removed and assaulted, resulting in his death.

The PPNM reported that violence and repression against political detainees in Hpa-an Prison have intensified in recent months. Detainees are regularly beaten for minor infractions, including turning their heads or speaking during roll calls, in clear violation of basic human rights and prison regulations.

In an effort to seek justice, the PPNM has named and released the identification details of some of the alleged perpetrators. Those named include:

Assistant Superintendents Kyaw Khine and Thwin Htoo

Corporal Soe Thu Ya Thein

Private Ko Ko Phyo and Private Chit Oo Zaw

Chief Warden Win Maung

The network announced that further investigations are ongoing to identify other prison officials involved. These names are being preserved as part of evidence for future justice and accountability processes.

PPNM has called on local resistance groups and international justice bodies to monitor and document this case, and to take steps to hold perpetrators accountable. They also encouraged the Myanmar public and international community to remember Aung Naing Soe not only as a victim, but as one of many who have suffered under this brutal system.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News