Former Rakhine state chief minister jailed needs eye surgery

Former Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison by Myanmar’s military regime, is believed to have a cataract in his left eye and needs medical treatment. urgent treatment. Members of his family have asked the regime to allow him to undergo surgery as soon as possible.

“My father is elderly and we are worried about his health. If possible, he should be allowed to undergo surgery as soon as possible,” said Ma Kyi Kyi Oo, U Nyi Pu’s daughter.

U Nyi Pu developed cataracts when he was Chief Minister of Rakhine State from 2016 to 2021, but he was too busy to undergo surgery at that time, and his eye problem went away. worsened since being detained during the February 1 military coup. , 2021, according to relatives.

U Nyi Pu was sentenced to two years in prison with hard labor for incitement in October 2021, followed by nine years for three counts of corruption and two years for election fraud.

Relatives learned of his deteriorating eye condition from people recently released from prison, and U Nyi Pu formally requested by letter the prison authorities to be allowed to receive treatment.

Family members have not yet been allowed to visit the former Chief Minister of Rakhine State, nor have prison authorities informed relatives of his health condition. ‘U Nyi Pu, said Ma Kyi Kyi Oo.

U Nyi Pu’s wife, Daw Win Kyi, was denied a prison visit in August, according to relatives, who say that although they still cannot visit her in Sittwe prison, members relatives are allowed to send food and other items to the former chief minister. .

U Nyi Pu was arrested on the day of the coup and subsequently placed under house arrest.

He was taken into custody again on February 10, 2021 to face prosecution, after he shared a video file criticizing the coup on social media.

A senior lawyer in Rakhine state said detainees were suffering from prolonged denial of prison visits. “If Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed, relatives should be allowed to visit prisons. If the authorities have concerns, they can impose strict controls on visitors and carefully check packages. Inmates will be able to share their concerns and needs with family members if prison visits are permitted,” he said.

Sources close to Sittwe Prison said prison visits are apparently banned in line with Covid-19 restrictions. Family members say such restrictions should be lifted as Covid-19 cases have dropped significantly.