May 31, 2024

During intense clashes in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, nearly 100 prisoners, including 31 political prisoners, were rescued from the prison, according to a statement by the Arakan Army (AA) on May 30.

On May 16, 98 prisoners, including those detained for various crimes as well as political prisoners trapped in Buthidaung Prison, were successfully evacuated to safety.

The AA announced that on May 18, they fully took control of all military bases, battalions, and the strategic headquarters of the military council in Buthidaung town.

The AA also stated that they are providing health care and living assistance to these prisoners in accordance with international humanitarian standards.

Additionally, the AA facilitated communication between the 31 political prisoners and their families, assisting them in returning home on May 26.

The AA has been aiding prisoners captured during the battles in accordance with international military law, and they continue to rescue detainees from military and police prisons and camps amid ongoing conflicts.

The statement also mentioned that before the clashes erupted in Buthidaung, the military council had released some prisoners from Buthidaung Prison and relocated the Border Guard Force Battalion 3. However, they left some political prisoners behind.

The AA accused the military council of neglecting to relocate political prisoners to safe locations and instead continuing to oppress and violate the human rights of Rakhine political prisoners, driven by racial hatred.

The AA emphasized that they would continue to scrutinize and address the crimes committed by the rescued prisoners, ensuring justice is served according to the standards of the Rakhine National Party.

Since the resumption of clashes on November 13 last year, the AA has seized control of 10 townships, including Buthidaung and Paletwa in Chin State.

(This news has been translated using AI.)