Two political prisoners die in Sittwe prison from lack of medical care

Narinjara News, January 31, 2026

Two political prisoners, one of whom is a woman, have died in a Sittwe prison in Rakhine State due to inadequate medical care, according to the Justice Network For Political Prisoners—JNPP.

The deceased have been identified as U Thein Tun Sein (42) and Ma Saw Tin May (32).

U Thein Tun Sein was convicted under Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Association Act and Sections 52(a) and 505 of the Terrorism Act, receiving a 40-year prison sentence from a military commission tribunal.

While incarcerated, U Thein Tun Sein experienced intense stomach issues but sadly passed away on November 18, 2025, after the prison officials refused to provide necessary medical assistance.

“His condition had deteriorated significantly, suffering from severe stomach pain over a prolonged period. In the final days before his death, he endured excruciating abdominal pain, experienced vomiting, and had notable abdominal distension.

However, prison authorities did not allow him to receive medical care, and he was rushed to the hospital when his health had severely declined, where he died on arrival,” the statement said.

Likewise, Ma Saw Tin May, who was sentenced to three years under Article 17(1) by the military commission, also passed away due to a lack of medical support for injuries and pain sustained during interrogation.

"We have received information from reliable sources that Ma Saw Tin May (32), a political detainee, died in Sittwe Prison in 2025 (exact date not provided) because of the injuries and illnesses inflicted on her during interrogation, as she was not allowed to receive medical treatment while incarcerated," the statement said.

JNPP remains committed to highlighting the violations of human rights by the military commission, specifically regarding the Sittwe Prison administration and officials who willfully neglect to provide medical care to political prisoners, ensuring that both the international community and the public are informed.