Bruises All Over the Face... Evidence of Torture of Myanmar Resistance Youth Leader Revealed

Myanmar youth Wei Mo Naing leading anti-military protests and his appearance after arrest.
[Photo by Irrawaddy website capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] The image of a young man in his 20s, who led protests condemning the Myanmar military coup and was tortured after being arrested, has shocked the world.

Local media outlet The Irrawaddy reported on the 17th (local time) that photos showing a young man in his 20s, who led protests against the Myanmar military coup, appearing severely beaten after his arrest, are spreading widely.

According to The Irrawaddy, Myanmar youth Wei Mo Naing was participating in a protest on a motorcycle on the 15th when he suddenly collided with a civilian vehicle that charged at him, fell to the ground, and was dragged away somewhere. He is believed to have been detained at the Myanmar military’s Northern Command building.

Wei Mo Naing’s friends confirmed that the person in the photo is him by recognizing his clothing and face. In the photo, his hands are tied behind his back, and bruises and blood spots are visible on his face, suggesting he was severely beaten after his arrest.

Wei Mo Naing, known as the "Panda of Mongyu," participating in protests against the violent crackdown by the Myanmar military.
[Photo by Irrawaddy website]

Also known as the "Panda of Mongyuwa," Naing is a former student council president of Mongyuwa University and is one of the prominent young protest leaders in Myanmar alongside Taiza San from Mandalay and It Thinza Maung from Yangon. Since the military coup in February, he has led daily protests against the military’s violent crackdowns.

One of Naing’s friends expressed concern, saying, "It is unknown how badly he was injured or whether he has received medical treatment," and added, "We fear he may be subjected to cruel torture during interrogation."

There have been previous cases where individuals opposing the military were arrested and later died, which has increased the anxiety of Naing’s family and acquaintances.

Kin Maung Lat (58), chairman of Yangon Pabedan Township and a member of the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, was reportedly taken away by military police on the night of the 6th of last month and died from torture, according to local media reports.

Wei Mo Naing is charged with murder, theft, and incitement. In response, a representative of the Mongyuwa General Uprising Committee said, "What worries us most is that murder charges have been applied to Wei Mo Naing." He added, "There is no legal evidence, but the military can fabricate charges as they wish."