Four prison officials sacked in Western Burma

by Nyein Chan
Tuesday, 16 June 2009 20:20

Dhaka(mizzima news) – Four officials of the Budithaung prison in Arakan state in western Burma have been removed from their posts following the arrest of a man possessing a documentary film on the conditions inside the prison.

Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs told Mizzima that Budithaung prison in-charge Tin Tun, prison doctor Htay Win, jailer Win Maung and anther prison officer Thein Kyaw were dismissed on June 7 by the authorities.

While it is still not clear why they were sacked, observers believe that it might have to do with the seizure of a video film last month on the conditions inside the Budithaung prison.

“The video tape shows, the living condition in the prison and how prisoners are being forced to work. The tape was seized from a man who was travelling from Budithaung to Maungdaw town,” a source in the Military Affairs Security (MAS) told Mizzima.

The arrested man was identified as Thein Oo and is a resident of Budithaung town, sources said.

A person, who tried to visit the prison recently, said authorities have beefed up security in the prison and meetings with visitors are seldom being allowed.

At least 20 political prisoners including Reverand Monk Ei Tharya, Ko Ko Gyi and Ma Ni Ni Nay Myint are being held in the notorious prison, sources said.