Burma Updates (AAPPB)

The Cyclone Nargis also hit Insein Prison in Rangoon. On Saturday morning at around 8 am local time, the roof of the Insein prison building was ripped off by the cyclone and a fire broke out in Hall No 1.

The prisoners inside the cells called for help for hours, but prison authorities failed to show up. Finally some young jail service men opened the doors to the cells.

As prisoners ran around in the prison compound, army soldiers fired at least 30 gun shots at them from the top of the roof. At least thirty-six prisoners were killed by the shots and 70 more injured. No political prisoners are among the dead.

All prisoners are in great need of health assistance, blankets and drinking water, and political prisoners have made demands for these needs but prison authorities denied their demands as well as aid delivery from family members who went to the prison today.