Balanced News: Political prisoners begin hunger strike in Myanmar’s Sagaing region

Fourteen political prisoners in Myanmar’s Sagaing region prison have started a hunger strike to demand the return of confiscated items and the removal of restrictions on mail delivery. The hunger strike is the latest protest against harsh conditions at Monywa Prison, where nearly 700 political prisoners are being held. Prison guards raided the cells of the political prisoners, confiscating their belongings, though the reason for the raid is unknown. Past protests over ill-treatment of political prisoners have been met with beatings, denial of medical treatment, and solitary confinement. Over 24,000 people, including pro-democracy activists, have been arrested since the 2021 coup.