Death row in Myanmar

Myanmar's condemned activists face 'murder in prison'

The families of 77 political activists sentenced to death by Myanmar’s military junta are living in fear that their loved ones will be executed without prior notice, following the hanging of four prominent prisoners of conscience on July 23.

In an act that prompted protests in Myanmar and condemnation abroad, the 18-month-old junta put to death veteran democracy activist Ko Jimmy and former opposition lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, as well as activists Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw. Their families learned of their deaths only after the fact.

The hangings were the first judicial executions in more than three decades. Between Myanmar’s abortive 1988 democratic uprising and the military coup of Feb. 1, 2021, death sentences have been ordered, but no judicial executions were carried out.

Families of Myanmar prisoners on death row say their loved ones were arrested by the junta and sentenced to death by a closed-door military court without the opportunity to defend themselves. While six of the 83 people put on death row since the coup have had their sentences to commuted to life in prison, 77 others still face execution.

"This is not the death penalty. This is murder in prison, as it is based on unjust laws and unsubstantiated cases and verdicts," said Aung Myo Min, human rights minister for Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government.

RFA Burmese has compiled a list of names, available details and photographs of the condemned prisoners.

In remembrance

In the first judicial executions in Myanmar since 1976, the ruling junta put to death four activists the weekend of July 24-25, 2022.

Kyaw Min Yu (aka Ko Jimmy)

1969 – 2022

HOMETOWN: Shan State, Myanmar
CHARGES: Terrorism charges for activities against the military regime

Ko Jimmy was a Burmese writer, political prisoner, and a member of the 88 Generation Students Group. Kyaw Min Yu rose to prominence during the 8888 Uprising, as a student activist. He was imprisoned for 15 years, from 1988 to 2003, for participating in the 8888 Uprising, and later spent another five years in prison after protesting fuel price hikes with the 88 Generation Students Group in August 2007.

Phyo Zeya Thaw

1981– 2022

HOMETOWN: Yangon, Myanmar
CHARGES: Terrorism charges for activities against the military regime

Phyo Zeya Thaw was a Burmese politician and hip-hop artist who was detained for the perceived anti-government messages of his lyrics. Amnesty International named him a prisoner of conscience. He was a member of Pyithu Hluttaw, the Lower House of the Burmese parliament. He, along with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, were elected to the lower house on 1 April 2012.

Hla Myo Aung

?– 2022

HOMETOWN: Unknown
CHARGES: Terrorism charges for activities against the military regime

Before the coup, Hla Myo Aung earned a living as a trishaw driver, and was also known for his skill in playing billiards. Like Aung Thura Zaw, he did not have a history of engagement in politics. He left behind two children, aged 16 and 20, and his wife, who is serving a sentence in Mon State’s Kyaikmayaw Prison for her anti-junta resistance activities.

Aung Thura Zaw

1995– 2022

HOMETOWN: Unknown
CHARGES: Terrorism charges for activities against the military regime

Aung Thura Zaw was the youngest of the four condemned men executed. Aung Thura Zaw also left behind a wife, Ma Htet, who was two months’ pregnant when her husband was arrested. She had no chance to see Aung Thura Zaw at all before his execution, which took place before their son would ever get to see his father.

Charges breakdown

On death row

Ah Thay Lay

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-terrorism Law S:54
Date of Arrest: Unknown
Date of Sentence: May 18, 2022

Aik Sai Main

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Tachileik
Prison: Unknown
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S: 54
Date of Arrest: June 2021
Date of Sentence: June 1, 2022

Ant Maung

(aka Phoe Thar Htoo)

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S:54
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: July 6, 2022

Arkar Kyaw Htoo

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: September 2021
Date of Sentence: Unknown

Arkar Thein

(aka Arkar)

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: North Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302 (1) (b)/34
Date of Arrest: Sept. 20, 2021
Date of Sentence: Dec. 2, 2021

Aung Aung Htet

(aka Aung Htet)

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: North Okkalapa
Prison: Insein
Charges: Penal Code S: 396 and 397
Date of Arrest: Mar. 27, 2021
Date of Sentence: Apr. 8, 2021

Aung Kaung Khant

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302 (1) (b)
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: Mar. 17, 2022

Aung Ko Ko Zaw

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Pathein Prison
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: 2021

Aung Ko Min

(aka Linn Nyo)

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302 (1)(b)/34
Date of Arrest: Aug. 23, 2021
Date of Sentence: Nov. 23, 2021

Aung Myint Thwin

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Pathein Prison
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: 2021

Aung Myo Linn

(aka Kyet Hpa)

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302(1)(C)114
Date of Arrest: Mar. 2021
Date of Sentence: May 24, 2021

Aung Thiha Hein

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Kamayut
Prison: Insein
Charges: Counter-Terrorism Law , Penal Code S: 505 A
Date of Arrest: Sept. 2021
Date of Sentence: 2022

Aye Aye Min

Age: 47
Gender: F
Hometown: Hlaingthaya
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S: 54
Date of Arrest: July 10, 2021
Date of Sentence: May 18, 2022

Aye Nyein Aung

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302(1)(C)114
Date of Arrest: Mar. 2021
Date of Sentence: May 24, 2021

Bo Bo Thu

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: North Okkalapa
Prison: Insein
Charges: Penal Code S: 396 and 397
Date of Arrest: Mar. 27, 2021
Date of Sentence: Apr. 8, 2021

Chit Ko Ko

(aka Nagar)

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Dagon Seikkan
Prison: Unknown
Charge: Counter-Terrorism S:50-a, S:54
Date of Arrest: Sept. 9, 2021
Date of Sentence: Dec. 23, 2021

Cho Cho

Age: 50
Gender: F
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S:54
Date of Arrest: Apr. 3, 2022
Date of Sentence: June 17, 2022

Day Wa

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S:54
Date of Arrest: Unknown
Date of Sentence: May 18, 2022

Hein Htet Aung

(aka) Zan Ye

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: North Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302 (1) (b)/34
Date of Arrest: September 20, 2021
Date of Sentence: December 2, 2021

Hla Hla Naing

(aka) Ma Naing

Age: Unknown
Gender: F
Hometown: North Okkalapa
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal code- 302 (1)(B)/34,436
Date of Arrest: March 2021
Date of Sentence: June 21, 2021

Hlaing Min Kyaw

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Pathein
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: 2021

Htet Paing Soe

(aka) Phoe Htet

Age: 27
Gender: M
Hometown: North Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302 (1) (b)/34
Date of Arrest: August 24, 2021
Date of Sentence: Oct 23, 2021

Htun Ko Ko

(aka) Ko Ko

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302(1)(B)34
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: May 27, 2021

Joe Zat

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Pekon
Prison: Taung Lay Lone
Charge: Penal Code S: 302
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: June 1, 2022

Khaing Min Tun

(aka) Nay Min

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S:54
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: April 3, 2022

Khaing Myae

(aka) Thaw Zin Naing

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302(1)(C)114
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: May 24, 2021

Khin Wint Kyaw Maung

Age: F
Gender: Unknown
Hometown: Dagon Seikkan
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302 (1) (b)/34
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: November 23, 2021

Ko Ko Chit

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Thaketa
Prison: Insein
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: August 24, 2021
Date of Sentence: Unknown

Ko Latt

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Shwepyitha
Prison: Unknown
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S: 54
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: May 5, 2022

Kyaw Kyaw Min Khant

(aka) Min Khant (aka) Fat Tee

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302 (1) (b)/34
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: November 23, 2021

Kyaw Kyaw Naing

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Pathein
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: 2021

Kyaw Kyaw Naing

(aka) Kyaw Naing

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: North Okkalapa
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal code- 302 (1)(B)/34,436
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: June 21, 2021

Kyaw Sithu

Age: 39
Gender: M
Hometown: Shwepyitha
Prison: Insein
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: October 29, 2021
Date of Sentence: January 6, 2022

Lapyae Wan

(aka) Lapyae

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: North Okkalapa
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal code- 302 (1)(B)/34,436
Date of Arrest: March 2021
Date of Sentence: June 21, 2021

Lwin Lwin Aye

(aka) Baik Thu Ma

Age: Unknown
Gender: F
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal code- 302 (1)(B)/34,436
Date of Arrest: March 2021
Date of Sentence: June 21, 2021

Maung Khone

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Pekon
Prison: Taung Lay Lone
Charge: Penal Code S: 302
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: June 1, 2022

Maung Nyein

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Pekon
Prison: Taung Lay Lone
Charge: Penal Code S: 302
Date of Arrest: March 21, 2021
Date of Sentence: June 1, 2022

Moe Moe Myint Aung

(aka) Ma Moe Myint

Age: Unknown
Gender: F
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302(1)(C)114
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: May 24, 2021

Mya Htay Ko

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302 (1) (b)
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: March 17, 2022

Myint Myint Aye

Age: Unknown
Gender: F
Hometown: Hlaingthaya
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302 (1)(b)/109
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: April 12, 2021

Myo Kyaw Win

(aka) Mandalay Thar

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Yangon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: May 24, 2022
Date of Sentence: 2022

Myo Zin Aung

(aka) Ko Myo

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Dagon Seikkan
Prison: Unknown
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: September 9, 2021
Date of Sentence: December 23, 2021

Naing Naing

(aka) Shwe Nga

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302(1)(C)114
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: May 24, 2021

Nay Thway

Age: 23
Gender: M
Hometown: Seikkan
Prison: Unknown
Charge: Counter-Terrorism S:50-a, S:54
Date of Arrest: September 15, 2021
Date of Sentence: December 23, 2021

Nyan Linn Htet

(aka) Ko Htet

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S:54
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: April 4, 2022

Phoe Thar

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Shwepyitha
Prison: Unknown
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S: 54
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: May 5, 2022

Phyo Min Tun

(aka) Ko Phyo

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Shwepyitha
Prison: Unknown
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S: 54
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: May 5, 2022

Pyae Phyo Thu

(aka) Ko Sai

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S:54
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: April 5, 2022

Sai Khay

(aka) Eaik Khay (aka) Kay Kay

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: North Okkalapa
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 396
Date of Arrest: March 27, 2021
Date of Sentence: April 28, 2021

Saw Ye Naing

(aka) Ye Lay

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302(1)(C)114
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: May 24, 2021

Soe Moe

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-terrorism Law S:54
Date of Arrest: Unknown
Date of Sentence: May 18, 2022

Soe Moe Paing

(aka) Ya Khaing Lay (aka) Nan Jat Kuu

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: North Okkalapa
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal code- 302 (1)(B)/34,436
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: June 21, 2021

Soe Oak Paing

(aka) San Shay

Age: 40
Gender: M
Hometown: North Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S: 54
Date of Arrest: July 10, 2021
Date of Sentence: May 18, 2022

Soe Pyae Aung

(aka) Aung Aung

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302(1)(C)114
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: May 24, 2021

Soe Thu

(aka) Naing Linn (aka) Aung Zay Ya (aka) Arr Gyi

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Hlaingthaya
Prison: Unknown
Charge: Penal Code S:302
Date of Arrest: June,2021
Date of Sentence: 2021

Su Myat Thwe

Age: Unknown
Gender: F
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S:54
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: April 2, 2022

Su Wai Hnin

Age: Unknown
Gender: F
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S:54
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: April 1, 2022

Thant Zin

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-terrorism Law S:54
Date of Arrest: Unknown
Date of Sentence: May 18, 2022

Thura Linn

(aka) Thura

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Shwepyitha
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law: 50-a, 54
Date of Arrest: November, 2021
Date of Sentence: January 12, 2022

Tin Tun Aung

(aka) Moe Shan

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Hlaingthaya
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302 (1)(b)/109
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: April 12, 2021

Wai Yan Tun

(aka) Wai Yan

Age: 25
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302 (1) (b)/34
Date of Arrest: August 24, 2021
Date of Sentence: November 23, 2021

Wai Yan Tun Oo

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Kamayut
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal code- 302
Date of Arrest: September 16, 2021
Date of Sentence: Unknown

Wai Yan Win Myint

(aka) Waiyan

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: North Okkalapa
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal code- 302 (1)(B)/34,436
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: June 21, 2021

Win Hlaing Tun

(aka) Nyi Lay

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law: 50-a/54
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: January 6, 2022

Win Ko Ko

(aka) Auu Wae

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302(1)(C)114
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: May 24, 2021

Win Ko Oo

(aka) Wai Gyi (aka) Thura Lwin

Age: 25
Gender: M
Hometown: Kamayut
Prison: Insein
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: September 29, 2021
Date of Sentence: Unknown

Win Lwin Oo

Age: 36
Gender: M
Hometown: Insein
Prison: Insein
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: April 13, 2021
Date of Sentence: March 30, 2022

Yan Naing Soe

(aka) Kayin

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: North Okkalapa
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal code- 302 (1)(B)/34,436
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: June 21, 2021

Yar Kyaw

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302(1)(C)114
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: May 24, 2021

Ye Kyaw Aung

(aka) Kalar Lay

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: South Dagon
Prison: Insein
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: May 24, 2022
Date of Sentence: 2022

Ye Min Naing

(aka) Ye Yint

Age: 29
Gender: M
Hometown: Hlaingthaya
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S: 54
Date of Arrest: April 12. 2022
Date of Sentence: May 18, 2022

Ye Yint Phyo

(aka) Pitar Po

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law S:54
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: April 6, 2022

Zaw Linn Tun

(aka) Ko Zwe (aka) De Mon

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: North Okkalapa
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal Code S: 302 (1) (b)
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: March 17, 2022

Zaw Win Myint

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Pathein
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: 2021

Zin Mar Tun

Age: Unknown
Gender: F
Hometown: North Okkalapa
Prison: Insein
Charge: Penal code- 302 (1)(B)/34,436
Date of Arrest: March, 2021
Date of Sentence: June 21, 2021

Zin Min Tun

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Pathein
Charge: Unknown
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: 2021

Zwe Wai Yan Htut

(aka) Edizin

Age: Unknown
Gender: M
Hometown: Unknown
Prison: Insein
Charge: Counter-Terrorism Law: 50-a/54
Date of Arrest: 2021
Date of Sentence: January 6, 2022

Edited by Thane Aung, Mat Pennington, Paul Eckert, H. Léo Kim, Paul Nelson
Designed by Minh-Ha Le, Amanda Weisbrod
Web page produced by Minh-Ha Le
Source: Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma)