Political prisoners in Thayet Prison stage silent strike to mark fifth anniversary of Myanmar coup

Mizzima

A silent strike was held within the walls of Thayet Prison in the Magway Region as political prisoners and other inmates joined nationwide protests to mark the fifth anniversary of the 2021 military coup.

“They were assigned work that day, but no one spoke or made any sound. During the break, everyone switched off the lights and remained completely silent,” the source told Mizzima, quoting a message sent from inside the prison.

According to sources close to the families of those detained, approximately 120 prisoners participated in the act of defiance on 1 February, refusing to speak or make any sound during their work assignments and switching off all lights during their breaks.

The Political Prisoners’ Network – Myanmar (PPNM) reported that at least 500 prisoners are currently being held in Thayet Prison.

According to figures released on 2 February by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a total of 30,371 people have been arrested since the coup. Of these, 22,778 remain in detention, and 11,511 have already been sentenced to prison.