Myanmar reinstates family visits to prisoners to end a ban started during the pandemic

By GRANT PECK
Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Military-ruled Myanmar is allowing prisoners to have family visitors from outside. It’s a right that had been suspended for 3½ years because of the coronavirus pandemic. The rule allowing visitors was confirmed by the military and prison officials on Tuesday. It carries detailed conditions. But it’s the first opportunity for many of the thousands of political detainees who have been locked up for opposing the military’s 2021 seizure of power to meet their family members. Visitors must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccinations and a household relationship to the prisoner being met. Further documentation is required from the visitors’ local administration offices and police precincts.