Concerns are escalating for two nonviolent political activists in Myanmar who were arrested this week and are believed to be at high risk of torture. The activists, Paing Phyo Min, 27, a prominent member of the Anti-Junta Alliance Yangon (AJAY), and Shein Wai Aung, were taken into custody during separate raids in Yangon, the country’s largest city, on October 9, 2024.
The arrests occurred shortly after a brief protest against high commodity prices and military conscription, which had taken place on September 19. AJAY’s leader, Nan Lin, expressed deep concern for the safety of the detained activists, stating that they have been sent to an interrogation center where torture is reportedly common. He highlighted the lack of communication with the detainees since their arrest, raising alarms about their treatment under the military regime.
Myanmar has seen a significant crackdown on dissent since the military coup in February 2021 that ousted the democratically elected government. The military junta has employed brutal tactics against anyone perceived as opposing its rule, with reports indicating widespread use of torture and ill-treatment in detention facilities.
According to human rights organizations, thousands have been arrested under harsh conditions, and many face long prison sentences or worse. Joe Freeman, a Myanmar researcher for Amnesty International, emphasized that “anyone involved in any kind of dissent against the military faces long jail terms, torture and other ill-treatment, and even death in custody.
This environment of fear has led to a dramatic reduction in peaceful protests since the coup, with many activists resorting to flash mobs to minimize confrontation with security forces.
Rights groups and international observers are calling for urgent action to safeguard the rights of political detainees in Myanmar.
AJAY has appealed to the international community to exert pressure on the military government to ensure the safety of Paing Phyo Min and Shein Wai Aung. As concerns grow over their welfare, activists fear that this latest incident could further deter peaceful opposition efforts within the country. The situation remains critical as Myanmar continues to grapple with political unrest and human rights violations under military rule.
