Insein Prison Death Row Supervisor “Ko Oo” Extorting and Oppressing Political Prisoners
May 5, 2026 | Burma Independent Voice
Sources within Insein Prison report that a long-term convict named Ko Oo, who serves as the “Tan-See-Choke” (head cell-block supervisor) of “Building 2-Tote”—the section reserved exclusively for death row inmates—is unjustly oppressing and extorting money from newly arrived political prisoners. Taking advantage of the favoritism shown to him by prison authorities, Ko Oo is reportedly using his position to target those sentenced to death for their anti-coup activities.
According to prison sources, Ko Oo has been verbally abusing and bullying political prisoners detained for their involvement in the revolution. In addition to demanding protection money, he is reportedly forcing inmates to contribute “donations” under various pretexts.
Furthermore, it is reported that Ko Oo is running an illegal gambling den in Cell 21 of the death row block. Sources noted that this is not his first instance of misconduct; while previously serving as a supervisor in Ward 4, he was removed from his post after being caught embezzling “earthquake relief funds” extorted from fellow inmates for personal gain.
Observers inside the prison suggest that such activities—including gambling and extortion—could not persist without the tacit approval or complicity of prison officials, ranging from wardens to higher-ranking officers. It is believed that Ko Oo acts as a “money-maker” for the authorities and is utilized by the prison administration as a tool to further suppress revolutionary activists behind bars.
The “Building 2-Tote” where Ko Oo currently operates is a section of the facility formerly known as the “Yin-Gwal” building, which has been partitioned by a wall. The side known as “2-Tote” houses those on death row, while the adjacent side, “2-Shey,” houses those serving life sentences. This systemic mistreatment of political prisoners by long-term criminal convicts has sparked significant resentment among the general prison population.
