The Former Political Prisoners Group in Rangoon said it handed over a list identifying 619 Burmese dissidents who remain in prison to US special envoy Derek Mitchell ahead of his visit to Naypyidaw earlier this week.
“The lists confirms 619 political prisoners in 41 prisons around the country,” Hnin Hnin Hmway said, adding: “But there could be many more who we have not been able to confirm yet. “We verified each and every one (of the 619),” she said. “We also took into account the list from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners-Burma and that of the NLD.” AAPP has stated on its website that there are currently about 800 political prisoners in Burma, though it says it can only confirm precise details for 413.
Many of those on the most recent list of political prisoners are being detained on convictions such as high treason, murder and unlawful association.
2012.03.16 The Irrawaddy US Envoy Told 619 Political Prisoners in Burma