22nd-23rd July, 2021

 

Footages of political prisoners protesting and chanting slogans in the notorious Insein Prison at around 7 am on 23 July were circulated on social media. According to local media reports, the protest was started from women’s detention block and then spread throughout the prison. Some prison staff reportedly involved in the protest. 

Mizzima reported that detained protesters demanded for the release of all political prisoners, for adequate medical treatment of Covid-19 patients in the prison, and for the release of extremely strict new prison rules. There was speculation that seven prisoners were killed in the crackdown. Yangon residents started banging pots and pans again later that night in support of the protest in the prison.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said in a statement that the lives of the prisoners are very concerning and the protest in 2008 led to the deaths of over 30 people. In the past, prisoners launched hunger strikes in the Insein Prison in 1991 and 2011. Many countries including the United States, Australia, and the European Union (EU), have issued a statement calling for a peaceful solution to the protest. 

According to the Burma Associated Press, China is providing Covid-19 vaccines to ethnic armed groups based in northern Myanmar. The SSPP/SSA has said that it intends to vaccinate about 500,000 people in its areas of control. The KIA in Kachin State is also planning to vaccinate 350,000 people. The UWSA has vaccinated about 450,000 people and the NDAA has vaccinated about 150,000 people in their respective controlled areas.

On 21 July, the junta troops arrested five people who were providing Oxygen refill service in Myingyan Town, Mandalay Region, for allegedly not cooperating with the junta, according to RFA. The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar has called on the international community to provide cross-border humanitarian assistance to Myanmar via the NUG and the newly formed Ethnic Health Organization (COVID Task Force).

Due to a shortage of healthcare workers in hospitals, the leader of the junta requested that CDM doctors return to the hospitals on 23 July. He also claimed that, "Covid first and second wave accounted for just over 2% of deaths, while the current third wave is only 2.346%." The statement was heavily criticized as a hoax and many netizens blamed the junta's inability to keep track of what was actually happening on the ground.

Democracy for Myanmar Working Group announced that they are collecting 100,000 online signatures, urging the New Zealand government to recognize the NUG as the legitimate government of Myanmar. Petition is available on the New Zealand Parliamentary website https://www.parliament.nz/.../petition-of-democracy-for....

The Australian-based Myanmar Metals Company told Reuters that it will sell its 51% stake in a US $300 million Bawdwin silver, lead, and zinc project in Namtu Township in northern Shan State due to social and economic unrest following the military coup. China-based Yintai Gold is trying to buy its stake.