Assistance Association for Political Prisoners claims to have received reports of torture used on students recently detained by police in Letpadan, according to a press release from the NGO on March 13.
“Torture in detention is endemic in Burma, with many detainees facing abuse and inhumane treatment. AAPP has already received reports of torturous treatment during these recent detentions. Our immediate concern is for the wellbeing of all current detainees, with the use of torture and inhumane treatment a common and unacceptable practice,” the NGO reports.
The NGO said they had received information that around 60 of those arrested have been charged with sections 143, 145, 147, 332 and 505 (b) of the Penal Code and are currently awaiting the continuation of their trial. The information regarding the remaining detainees is unclear. Those detained in the crackdown must be immediately released unconditionally and without charge, and all ongoing trials must be ended.
AAPP said it abhors the systematic use of torture in detention, demanding that all detainees are treated humanely.
International groups have already expressed their shock and dissatisfaction with the treatment of the protesters in Letpadan and the unprecedented violence inflicted on them. The support of the international community is essential to protecting all detainees from abuse and ending ongoing torturous practices, as well as to secure the unconditional release of all political prisoners and bring an end to ongoing trials of political and human rights activists. AAPP reiterates the call for the immediate unconditional release of all peaceful demonstrators and supporters detained in the violent crackdowns in Letpadan and Yangon, the NGO said.