7 months ago
Myanmar Students Die in Prison After Democracy Protests
In Myanmar, many young people protested against the military government that took over in 2021.
Some of these protesters were put in prison, where many died.
Two students, Wutt Yee Aung and Khant Linn Naing, were part of these protests.
Wutt Yee Aung died in prison in 2025 after not getting proper medical care.
Khant Linn Naing was said to have died while trying to escape during a prison transfer in 2023, but his family doesn't believe it.
Many young people have left Myanmar because of the military's actions.
The military says they didn't do anything wrong, but others say they are treating prisoners badly.
At least 74 political prisoners aged 18-35 have died in detention since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar.
Wutt Yee Aung, a 25-year-old student, died in prison on July 19, 2025, reportedly due to inadequate medical treatment.
Khant Linn Naing, a 19-year-old student, was allegedly shot and killed during a prison transfer in July 2023, but his family doubts the official story.
The junta denies allegations of torture and abuse, while U.N. investigators report systematic mistreatment in detention facilities.
An estimated 300,000 to 500,000 young people have fled Myanmar since the coup due to arrests, torture, and conscription.
- Who
- Students and young protesters in Myanmar
- What
- Deaths of political prisoners and crackdown on democracy protests
- Where
- Myanmar, primarily in Yangon and Daik-U prison
- When
- Since the February 1, 2021 military coup, with specific deaths in 2025 and 2023
- Why
- Protests against the military junta and support for democracy
Key facts
- Number of Political Prisoners Died
- 74 (aged 18-35)
- Total Deaths in Detention
- 273 (since coup)
- Estimated Youth Fleeing Myanmar
- 300,000 to 500,000
- Myanmar Population
- 51 million
- Prison Transfer Rule
- Use of firearms only when no other means available to prevent escape
Quotes
Wutt Yee Aung
A 25-year-old student activist and political prisoner in Myanmar
“Mother, I hope you are well. I have run out of snacks and medicine, so please transfer 200,000 kyat.”
theprint.in
“Please don’t tell my mother about this. I miss everyone.”
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Dagon University Students' Union
A student union at Dagon University in Myanmar
“Due to political prisoners not being given adequate medical treatment, the lack of medicine and restrictions on contact with her family, Ma Wutt Yee Aung died in prison at around 9.30 p.m. on July 19, 2025.”
theprint.in
Khant Linn Naing's family member
A relative of Khant Linn Naing, a 19-year-old student activist and political prisoner in Myanmar
“Because that letter was so unclear, we don’t believe he is dead.”
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Thaik Tun Oo
Spokesperson for the Political Prisoners Network of Myanmar (PPNM)
“I found it implausible that Khant Linn Naing had been trying to escape because prisoners are typically restrained and paired with police officials during a transfer.”
theprint.in
Shwe Theingi
A friend of Wutt Yee Aung and Khant Linn Naing, and a student activist in Myanmar
“I wanted to become a news presenter. Wutt Yee wanted to do more volunteer work. Each of us had different dreams.”
theprint.in
Sources
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