Withholding of case files hampers ICRC applications

(DVB)–Families of political inmates are having difficulties getting copies of their relatives’ case files, which they need to gain assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross, from courts in Rangoon.

A family member of one political prisoner said the judges had been banned from giving copies of the documents to relatives of the detainees.

"I was told by a judge that they were given orders not to give us copies of the case file documents,” he said.

“We need them in order to get assistance from the ICRC."

A relative of another inmate said Insein prison court had been withholding the case file of another political prisoner.

"The mother of political prisoner Ko Kyi Phyu, who is youth coordinator of the National League for Democracy in North Dagon township, has been having trouble gaining a copy of her son's case file from Insein prison's special court,” he said.

“Now she is unable to get help from the ICRC as she doesn't have the necessary documents."

The ICRC spokesperson was unavailable for comment.

Reporting by Ahunt Phone Myat