Hundreds of Political Prisoners Held in Notorious Yangon Jail, Those Released Say

MAE SOT, THAILAND - Myanmar’s military coup that took place nearly four months ago has sparked outrage nationwide, with thousands of pro-democracy protesters taking to the streets and going on strike in resistance.

But in retaliation, armed forces have violently cracked down on demonstrators, leaving hundreds dead and thousands detained. Insein Prison is one of Myanmar’s most notorious jails,, with a history of inhumane conditions and treatment. Since the coup, hundreds of political prisoners are being held there, with some tortured during interrogation at the hands of authorities, according to released prisoners. Japanese journalist Yuki Kitazumi recently spent over a month at Insein after being arrested by the junta, who first claimed he violated immigration law and then accused him of an illegal video purchase.