Political prisoners transported by plane to Yangon from Ann amid rising military tension

A group of political prisoners from Ann township in Rakhine State, where the military situation remains tense, have been transported to Yangon.

A resident from  Ann informed Narinjara News that those political prisoners were charged with political offenses in the Ann township court. Some prisoners are yet to be sentenced. They were transported to Yangon at around 10 am on 24 March.

"About 15 individuals, including those who were convicted of political offenses, were transported to Ann airport yesterday morning. From there, they were sent to Insein prison in Yangon. Among those include Ma Tin Nilar Aung and Ma Moe Pwint Phyu, who were recently sentenced to three years in prison," added the resident.

An affected  family member informed Narinjara News that the reason for their shifting is not yet known, but they were probably relocated due to the military situation in Ann locality.

"My daughter was among those who have been transferred. I'm worried that the  junta may force her into the military service or subject to torture because of her Rakhine ethnicity. I don't understand the reason behind their shifting. During her time in Ann too, we were not allowed to meet her," said the family member.

Currently, the junta forces are conducting airstrikes on the mountains near Pyaung Thay village, which is not far from Ann. They are also firing artillery shells which become audible from the Ann township.