An interview conducted by the Asian Human Rights Commission. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the AHRC.
Burma (Myanmar) –A woman speaks out against bad policing and torture
Hla Hla Win is an ex-political prisoner who had been arrested because of her political activities against the military regime. Since her release, she worked for the political prisoners and their families. She expresses her views about the issue of torture and bad policing system in Burma (Myanmar) in an interview with the Asian Human Rights Commission.
What do you think of the policing system of your country? Is it good? Or do you think it should be different?
Our country policing system is under the military dictatorship system so all they know is to maintain their power as much as they can. They do not hesitate to kill the people individually or as a group if they think people are trying to go against them. In my opinion, the country’s military leaders are very cruel and inhumane because all they know is power. And in order to maintain that power they teach their members how to obey them and how to treat the civilians to obey them, but in a very brutal way.
So instead of respecting their government the people are afraid of their government. But now they said they would hold an election to get to make Burma a democratic country, how can I believe them they would hold an free and fair election because they don’t even know the fundamental rights, they rape people, they kill people, they torture people. I totally disagree with the election which would not be free and fair because the election would be under their control and they will do whatever they want during the election process. To change the system is not very easy but the only way is the reconciliation between political parties and ethnic leaders who can bring the real democracy to the country.
What do you think of police use of torture?
Using torture is very terrible because I was tortured by the police when I was arrested for the first time when I had gone to the Martyr’s day. They tortured me because they suspected that I had involved in the Burma student union or another underground movement. During the investigation, I was beaten, especially my polio legs by police to get the answers. If they did not get the answer they want they treat the people like an animal. And then I was sent to jail for three years with hard labor. When I came out from the prison, I could not work like before. In 1997 I was send to the detention center as a result of involving in 1996 student’s movement. They tortured me by beating my legs, my face and my heads for six days until I fell unconscious.
Finally, I had to confess that I participated in the underground movement. Though they have got my history when I was in prison for the first time, they badly beat me until near death to get the information that they needed. After 18 days I was released.
For me, torture is the very terrible thing that people should not do nor must not do. It is worse than putting me into death. I sometimes forget what I have to do or should do because of the pain in my head.
What is your idea of good relationship between police and citizens?
I don’t think citizens and police have good relationship. As the salary of the police is very low they try to extort extra money from the people. They are not ashamed to ask the people money .For them money and position are their priority. Their seniors keep silent even though they know their juniors are corrupt because they are also corrupt. They take advantage of the poor ordinary people.
Not only the police but also their wives and their daughters misuse their power such as talking to the people very rudely. They want the people to give them priority otherwise they use their power.
If you have problem, would you feel safe to go to police and complain?
As I was imprisoned once in 1989, I cannot go if I have a problem. Even if I am right, I am sure I would be imprisoned as a result of my previous case. So, I am sure I won’t go there because of my security and the lack of credibility. Before I came to exile, I lived in a house, in Yangon, which is close to the Asia Wealth bank. Unfortunately, the pipe from the bank broke, flooded and ruined the house, when I complain about that to municipal committee they said they could not do anything because it was the private problem. It was because I could not bribe them and the Asia Wealth bank owner is very rich. The more the people pay bribes the more their problem are prioritized or solved. I had the case in the past and I did not have money to bribe. So it’s better to solve the problem by myself.
Is there any domestic violence law in your country? If yes, is it well implemented? If not what are the problems.
I have not heard about domestic violence law in Burma. But there are women associations which are organized by military junta’s wives, but if you need help you have to pay or you have to register as a member which encourages the military system. Otherwise they won’t solve your problem. When I was in prison, I stayed with lepers, with prostitutes and other ordinary peoples who commit crimes. The prostitute told me that they used to be brought to their rooms and asked for money, they were beaten until they were unconscious. There are many serious problems plaguing my country which are irresolvable in a military regime.
