June 5, 2024

According to a statement from the Karenni Political Prisoners Association (KPPA), six inmates, including one political prisoner, were released from Loikaw Prison in Kayah State on June 4, 2024.

The release was part of a scheduled release, with the freed individuals including a 60-year-old political prisoner and five other male inmates in their 30s serving various sentences. Two of the released individuals have already been transported back to their homes, with plans to assist the remaining inmates in returning home.

Despite these releases, nearly 200 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Loikaw Prison, which is currently situated within a conflict zone. The prison is under tight security by junta forces, and there are significant shortages of food and medical supplies, according to those assisting the political prisoners.

As of June 4, 2024, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) reported that over 20,558 people have been arrested in connection with political activities since the military coup. Among them, more than 9,147 individuals have been sentenced to prison terms.