Weekly Update in HURFOM Targeted Areas (2 August – 8 August 2021)

August 9, 2021

HURFOM, Mawlamyine: It was another devastating week for civilians who are working tirelessly to prevail from the junta’s hardships.

One of the many examples of lies and deceit comes as authorities are increasingly lying about how loved ones died in detention. Officials at Kyaikmayaw Prison informed families that Ko Pyay Thein, 29, passed away with diabetes. However, the family could not accept this because the victim never had diabetes. Ko Pyay Thein was arrested in Ye on March 22nd.

Junta Security forces in Paung Township, Mon State also abducted two Mawlamyine University students on Aug 3 from their homes, as confirmed by the Student Union. ‘Ma Nan Sandar Win and Ma Su Paing Hpu were arrested in the evening of Aug 3rd. The soldiers brought them to Kyaikmayaw Prison. The reason for the abduction was not apparent but it might be linked to their anti-coup posts, as was suggested by a member of MUSU. They are now being charged with 505a and held in Kyaikmayaw Prison.

U Aung Sein, a former member of the House of Representatives from Dawei, was arrested by the Junta Security Forces from his home on July 31. Since then, the family could not contact him, according to a source close to his family.

The death toll has also increased in Mawlamyine, Ye and Hpa-an with 50 to 60 bodies per day since the beginning of August, according to information leaked from the local rescue team members. Civilians are still struggling with a shortage of medical oxygen. Meanwhile, movement restrictions against the non-CDM civil servants, health workers and public sectors were enforced by the junta security forces continues in target areas. Civilians continue to be restricted and extorted.

The increased surveillance has also impacted HURFOM’s ability to report and document human rights violations.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Analysis, News