By Yoon Sat - Feb 24, 2025

Ko Thet Hnin Aung, the General Secretary of the Myanmar Industries Craft & Services Trade Union Federation (MICS - TUsF Myanmar), has suffered head injuries due to torture inside prison.

A human rights organization investigating prisoner rights violations uncovered that three political prisoners, including Ko Thet Hnin Aung, were subjected to physical assault and solitary confinement inside the prison recently.

"It’s heard that he has sustained a head injury, but the full extent of his condition is not yet known. He was tortured because an inspection team questioned the conditions of prisoners' rights inside the prison. We completely condemn this brutal act and wehave already informed our domestic and international partners. The military regime should expect further international sanctions as a result of these human rights violations," said a member of MICS.

Ko Thet Hnin Aung was first arrested by the military council in June 2021 and sentenced to two years in prison under Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act.

He was immediately re-arrested on the day he was released on June 26, 2023. The military council charged him under Section 52(a) and sentenced him to an additional seven years of prison and hard labour.

"International labour organizations are currently pressuring for Myanmar to face further sanctions at the upcoming International Labour Conference (ILC). Given the torture of a trade union leader, the military council will undoubtedly face stronger international action," said a MICS member.

A public solidarity movement was also held In the Netherlands demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Ko Thet Hnin Aung.