While the interim government falsely claims prisoners receive adequate medical treatment, nearly 150 political prisoners have died in prison, and some have died after release

The interim government, which has changed its name from the military junta, continues to falsely claim to the international community that political prisoners are receiving adequate medical treatment. However, it has been revealed that approximately 150 political prisoners have died over the past five years since the coup due to insufficient medical care. According to a statement from the Prisoners' Network of Myanmar (PPNM), 148 political prisoners have died unnecessarily due to a lack of adequate medical supplies and healthcare, and a failure to receive timely medical treatment. Whenever international organizations such as the United Nations, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Amnesty International, human rights commissions, and foreign embassies issue statements expressing concern about the health conditions of political prisoners, the interim government claims that prisoners are receiving adequate medical care. An official from PPNM told the Irrawaddy Times, "They deny that there are any political prisoners now. They claim there are no political prisoners, only prisoners convicted by the courts for violating the law. They maintain that all are simply prisoners, whether political or otherwise. This is the military regime's official stance, and they continue to adhere to it." Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, a prominent politician and former Chief Minister of Mandalay Region during the civilian government, was only allowed to seek external medical treatment when his condition became severe. He passed away from his illness on October 7, 2025, less than 24 hours after being granted amnesty by the military. In addition to deaths during imprisonment, it is known that many political prisoners have died outside prison after suffering from chronic illnesses due to torture and mistreatment within prison. The PPNM official further explained, "They claim deaths are due to age or pre-existing conditions, not lack of medical care. They say treatment was provided, but the patients couldn't withstand the illness. They always claim that everything is done under the supervision of doctors." Phay Moe Sein, a renowned documentary filmmaker, suffered paralysis of his lower body and spinal tuberculosis due to torture in Karenni and Insein prisons. The military granted him amnesty on August 16, 2025, but he died of his severe illness three days later, on August 19. Similarly, Ma Hruam Sein Sein, daughter of the prominent political writer and poet Saw Wai, was imprisoned on political charges. Due to insufficient medical treatment in prison, she developed tuberculosis and enteritis, and her health deteriorated severely. Due to her health complications, she died on March 23, 2025, two years after her release. According to a PPNM report, a total of 148 political prisoners died in 32 prisons across the country during the five-year period from July 2021 to May 2026. Photo – Social Media