Tales of hope and survival from Myanmar’s Insein Prison
Sean Turnell, author of An Unlikely Prisoner, and Ma Thida, activist and author of A-Maze, join together for an intimate conversation with Mick O’Regan about their time in Myanmar’s notorious Insein Prison.
Sean Turnell spent almost two years in Myanmar’s most terrifying prison, accused of being a spy. Ma Thida was also incarcerated there, denied medical treatment and came very close to dying. We spoke to Turnell and Thida about their upcoming conversation.
Can you explain the situation in Myanmar?
Sean: The country is in a desperate situation following a military coup in February 2021. Opposition to the new regime quickly followed the takeover, but this was met with extreme violence by the ruling junta. Tens of thousands have been killed, at least two million displaced (internally and externally), and the country has become once more a byword for atrocity. The economy is in a state of near collapse, and functions little more than as an exploitable resource for the ruling junta to provide for its wars. Most of the reforms of the last decade or so have been reversed, and Myanmar’s youth now have few prospects. International attention on the country is minimal. Yet, the people of Myanmar remain unbowed, and the junta is increasingly on the back foot. Terrible things will continue, but Myanmar’s military are surely sliding towards defeat of some kind.
Thida: Myanmar continues to struggle with political instability following the attempted military coup in February 2021, which led to the ousting of the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD). The military, known as the State Administration Council (SAC), has since maintained control, despite widespread protests and resistance, known as the Spring Revolution, from the public including ethnic minority groups. Later the Committee Representative of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the National Unity Government (NUG) were formed as legislative and executive bodies of resistance.
The SAC has implemented violent measures to suppress dissents and protesters, including arrests, internet shutdowns, extra-judicial killings, arsons and bombing. Myanmar is experiencing a humanitarian crisis, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and killings by security forces. Despite that, public opposition to the SAC remains very strong.
The People’s Defence Forces (PDF) emerged in response to the National Unity Government’s declaration, affirming the people’s right to self-defence. The armed resistance has garnered significant support from the general public within Myanmar as well as from the Myanmar diaspora worldwide. This support has grown as peaceful protests and international initiatives, such as the ASEAN’s five-point consensus, were all disregarded by the SAC.
The PDF consists of armed civilian groups and defected soldiers who can pose a significant threat to the SAC’s authority. It has also engaged in guerilla warfare and launched attacks on military installations, disrupting the SAC’s operations and now controlling more than 60 per cent of the country.
What impact do you hope your book will have?
Sean: I don’t pretend it will have earth-shattering consequences, but I do hope it will draw attention to the suffering of the Myanmar people.
Thida: My book highlights that the decade-long quasi-civilian administration period (2011-2020) didn’t bring Myanmar closer to reaching its way toward democracy, instead getting the country lost in a tortuous maze crafted by the military leaders. My hope is that readers will understand more details about my country’s situation, especially foreign audiences.
Join Sean Turnell and Ma Thida with Mick O’Regan at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall on Thursday, 30 May, from 5.30pm. Tickets are limited, book now via byronwritersfestival.com/whats-on.
Read more on Page 6.
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