Kale Prison cremates political prisoner without releasing body to family

Ko Win Myint Soe, a political prisoner at Mawlaik Prison—commonly known as Kale Prison—in Kale Town, Sagaing Region, died on March 13 after suffering from a severe illness worsened by inadequate medical care. Prison authorities then cremated his body without returning it to his family, according to the Political Prisoners Network – Myanmar (PPNM).

Ko Win Myint Soe, 54, was arrested on August 15, 2021, for participating in anti-coup activities and sentenced to 10 years in prison under Section 505(A) of the Penal Code and Section 302(A), the PPNM said in its March 15 announcement. Section 505(A) broadly criminalizes speech deemed to cause fear, spread false news, or incite offenses or disloyalty against the government or military, while Section 302(A) relates to murder allegations.

While incarcerated in Kale Prison, he began suffering from severe cirrhosis and ascites in January 2025. In February 2026, his condition worsened, and he was transferred to the People's Hospital in Kale Town. He was later discharged and returned to prison, but that same night had to be moved back to the hospital’s prisoners’ ward after developing shortness of breath and a further decline in his health. At 12:15 p.m. on March 13, 2026, Ko Win Myint Soe succumbed to his illness, the PPNM stated.

Instead of returning his body to his family, prison authorities said they could not release it because a police investigation was needed to determine the cause of death and a judge’s permit was required for release. They then cremated him at Kanpale Cemetery in Kale Town on March 15, rejecting the family’s request to reclaim his body.

The PPNM condemned Ko Win Myint Soe’s death as a result of the junta’s blatant human rights violations and denial of medical treatment. It also said the junta and prison authorities must be held fully responsible for the inhumane practices occurring in prisons.