Second party official dies in custody in Myanmar

A second party official has died after being arrested by Myanmar police during a protest against the military coup that occurred at the beginning of February.

The official was from the National League for Democracy party, the party that won the November election and was ousted during the coup, Reuters reported.

A former official said Zaw Myat Linn died after being arrested on Tuesday. 

“He’s been participating continuously in the protests,” Ba Myo Thein, a former member of the government, said. “Now, the relatives are trying to retrieve the body at the Military Hospital.”

This is not the first time a member of the party has been arrested and died in police custody.

Khin Maung Latt, who worked as a campaign member for an elected official of the NLD, died on Saturday after he was arrested.

Zaw Myat Linn’s arrest occurred after police cornered a group of protesters on Tuesday. However, hundreds were able to escape during the attack, Reuters reported.

“There were many free car rides and people welcoming the protesters,” Shar Ya Mone, a protester, told Reuters. The military was looking for protesters who escaped arrest on Tuesday.

The official’s death adds to the dozens of protesters who have been killed and thousands who have been arrested amid nonstop demonstrations against the coup.

International condemnation and sanctions have been imposed on the country for the coup and the treatment of the protesters.

Social media platforms have also been removing Myanmar military accounts due to their actions in the country.

The military said the coup was necessary because the November election was unfair, despite officials disputing that there is any evidence of election fraud. The military claims they will give power back when they conduct another election, although it is not clear when that will be.