The NLD has not been allowed to form a government, hundreds of its members are imprisoned for their peaceful political activities, and tens of thousands have been forced to resign from the party. Some 1700 political prisoners are currently held in prisons throughout the country. In addition, widespread harassment, surveillance, and other forms of control such as forced party resignations are all used by the SPDC to silence any opposition and keep the population in a state of fear. Political prisoners in Myanmar are often tortured during interrogation by Military Intelligence after they are arrested. After sentencing they can also be tortured if they break arbitrary and harsh prison rules.
Prison conditions are extremely poor.
Political prisoners are denied adequate food, medical care, and sanitation, and dozens have died through lack of proper care.