Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) Since 1988, 127 democracy activists have died in Myanmar's prisons, said the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The Asian human rights group said the deaths of the activists were "a result of torture or ill-treatment" by agents of the military junta governing the country. The association said more than 1000 prisoners risk the same fate today.
A report issued by the association said: "Several democracy campaigners are in poor and rapidly deteriorating health, and many are at risk of torture. If they are not released immediately, they will face the same fate as those who have died in custody." The report said there are at least 1,156 political prisoners in the country and 10 activists died last year alone.
Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, former UN expert on human rights in Myanmar, said: "The international community should urge the government to establish an independent inquiry into the rapidly mounting deaths of political prisoners in Myanmar. Such an investigation should identify the victims and seek compensation for their families. It should also analyse cases of disappearances."
The association's statements came three days after the junta, in a surprise move, allowed top UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari to see opposition leader and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi. The report is entitled "Eight Seconds of Silence: The Death of Democracy Activists Behind Bars". Eight is a significant number for democracy activists, based on August 8, 1988, when the military regime brutally suppressed an impressive democracy uprising by the people.
