The regime has jailed an anti-coup protester who needs surgery to avoid losing his sight in his right eye, a relative has said.
Hlyan Phyo Aung, who had been studying to be an engineer, was discharged from a military hospital in Magway on Monday more than two months after he lost his hand in a brutal attack by soldiers during a crackdown on a protest in the town.
He lost part of his right hand when a stun grenade exploded next to him, and the rest of it when a soldier fired a bullet at it from close range. He was also shot numerous times with rubber bullets and badly beaten.
His eyes were damaged by soldiers firing their weapons close to his face, according to a friend of his.
The discharge certificate issued on Monday said he needed eye surgery and more physiotherapy. His family had wanted him to travel to Yangon Eye Hospital for treatment, but instead five police officers arrived after he was discharged to take him to Magway Prison.
“He needs to get his cornea replaced. If this worsens he could lose his vision,” the relative told Myanmar Now on Tuesday.
Hlyan Phyo Aung was arrested on March 27 and later charged with incitement. He has been receiving treatment at the 100-bed No. 16 military hospital under police supervision.
While he was at the hospital, six court hearings went ahead at Magway Prison in his absence. His lawyers have been denied the official right to represent him, meaning there has been no opportunity to apply for bail on medical grounds.
“When we requested bail, they said we could only do it at the prison court,” the relative told Myanmar Now.
The next hearing is scheduled for June 17. Hlyan Phyo Aung faces up to three years in prison.
According to a tally by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, at least 857 civilians have been killed and over 5,800 have been detained by the military council as of Monday.
