Statement No. (7/2015) The Visit to Maing-Sat Prison in Shan State

By Myanmar National Human Rights Commission • May 20, 2015

A team from the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission comprising of members U Zaw Win, Dr.Daw Than Nwe and Assistant Director Dr. Zay Yar Soe from the Commission’s Office visited the Maing-Sat prison in Shan State on the 7 of May 2015. During the visit, the team inspected the sleeping quarters and the records of the prison. Interviews were also conducted with prisoners and detainees on an individual basis. The team found out that the prison was holding detainees and prisoners in excess of the capacity of the prison. They also observed that the prison’s dispensary has no bed for the inpatients and vacancies for the post of Assistant Doctor and medical personnel vacancies have yet to be filled in accordance with the organizational set up. Although the prison was a “C” category type prison, prisoners who have been sentenced to prison terms for more than 10 years are detained in this prison. The cells designated for long-term prisoners have no covers on the latrines. Two prisoners who have been imprisoned have been found to come from a very distant destination. It was also observed by the team that the sleeping quarters of the detainees are prone to lashings from the rain during the rainy season. For long-term female prisoners, there are 2 cells reserved for them but both cells have no latrines, washing facilities and corridors. It was observed by the team that there are two under trial detainees who have been under detention for more than 6 months. Five prisoners/detainees have also been found to be above the age of seventy years. There are no facilities for meditation and no vocational trainings have been given. Turning their attention to the kitchen, the team noticed that rice has been cooked with tin drums which are not very hygienic.

On the positive side, the team noticed that the prisoners’ sleeping quarters, the environs and the latrine were very clean. Wax sheetings were also provided in the sleeping quarters. The water for drinking and water for other purposes were also found to be very clean. Another positive factor was the fact that all the prisoners were quite disciplined and there was no infringement of any kind. The biodata of the prisoners were filed under a computer system and any data or information can be easily retrieved. Washing soap has been provided in accordance with the scale standards. Sport activities and entertainments are also provided on independence day and the annual day celebration of the prison. Televisions sets are provided in the sleeping quarters of both male and female prisoners and the prisoners have the opportunity to watch TV up to 9 o’clock every night. Although a library is provided, there was very few books in the library. Educational talks on matters relating to the crimes committed by the prisoners were conducted as and when appropriate. For jail visits of families coming from a very distant place, the authorities have allowed the visiting hours to be extended as a gesture of empathy. Full moon day of Tapodwe, Thingyan festival are celebrated according to the customs and on the Burmese New Year Day, prayers for peace were said. Peace and tranquility reign in both the female and male prisoners. Uniforms, blankets and slippers are adequately provided. It was also found out that the doctors from the District hospital came often to look into the health of the prisoners.

The recommendations of Myanmar National Human Rights Commission

MNHRC would like to make the following recommendations:-

(a) to extend the sleeping quarters to accommodate the excess of prisoners/ detainees.

(b) beds should be provided in the dispensary.

(d) the capacity of the prisoners and the prison terms determined should be in accordance with the category of the prison.

(e) transfer of prisoners to suitable location should be considered for prisoners whose home place is far distant.

(f) to prevent rain water lashing, lovre partitions should be provided.

(g) in the two cells designed for long-term female prisoners, latrines, washing facilities and corridors should be provided.

(h) to fill up the vacancies for Assistant Doctor and health personnel.

(i) for detainees who have been imprisoned for more than 6 months, arrangements should be made with the judiciary and the office of the District Police for speedy trial.

(j) arrangements for steel containers to be used in cooking should be carried out.

(k) meditation centres and vocational trainings should be provided.

(l) for old aged prisoners and for detainees who cannot afford a lawyer arrangements should be provided for in-house appeal process and other appeal process at the earliest possible time.

Tags: MNHRC Statements, Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, Political Prisoners, Shan State

This post is in: NHRC Monitor

Statement No. (7/2015) The Visit to Maing-Sat Prison in Shan State

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