Myanmar's military coup leaders are facing accusations of murdering political prisoners, with their deaths being disguised as escape attempts, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).

The AAPP has reported that 37 prisoners have gone missing since being removed from Kyaiksakaw Prison on June 27 under the pretense of a transfer. The families of two detainees received letters informing them of the deaths, claiming that the prisoners were killed by security forces after attempting to run away from a transport vehicle involved in an accident.

The AAPP has condemned these actions as a violation of prison procedures and a heinous crime, and it also calls it a violation of the ASEAN Human Rights Convention. These accusations shed light on the brutality of Myanmar's military administration since seizing power from the elected government in early 2021.

The military has responded violently to opposition, destroying civilian villages and cracking down on dissidents, protesters, politicians, artists, and journalists. More than 23,800 people have been arrested in connection with opposing the coup, and almost 20,000 remain in jail.

The mistreatment of political prisoners in Myanmar's prisons extends beyond physical harm. All prisoners have been denied family visits, leading to long periods of isolation. The overcrowding in these confined spaces exacerbates the situation, with reports of tension between prison guards and detainees.

The former female prisoner highlighted the serious lack of medical support within the prison system, sharing the story of a woman who was unable to receive the necessary surgery for breast cancer after her arrest.

Overcrowding, tension, and inadequate access to water and medical treatment characterize the prison conditions in Myanmar. The military's response to the AAPP's accusations remains unknown, but in the past, the spokesperson has defended the execution of political prisoners as justice for the people.

The international community, including the National Unity Government (NUG) set up by deposed lawmakers, has called for more action to support Myanmar's political prisoners. The NUG emphasizes the importance of respecting the fundamental human rights of all prisoners, including the right to exchange messages with their families and receive necessary medical and food-related care.

The plight of Myanmar's political prisoners reflects the ongoing assault on the people of Myanmar by the military authorities and amounts to potential crimes against humanity.