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In March 2021, during the nationwide protests against Myanmar’s military coup, around two dozen young protesters were demonstrating in a small, remote town. MYP, the artist behind this podcast, was among them. Military police threw tear gas and fired rubber bullets into the crowd to crack down on the protesters. The group fled and took shelter in the cramped kitchen of a stranger’s house near the protest site. Some were still wearing gas masks and holding protest signs, trying to remain silent as the sound of approaching boots grew louder.
Suddenly, the door was forced open. Batons swung, heavy kicks followed, and the kitchen erupted into chaos.The last thing MYP remembers as a free person is a young woman next to him being struck and falling to the floor, blood flowing from her head. After several minutes of beating, shouting, and punching, he and the other young protesters were taken away to prison.
As with many other youth, MYP spent his precious years locked in jail, going through a living hell. Education, optimism, and critical thinking were challenged and worn down by daily oppression, both expected and unexpected. As an artist and decent human being, he was forced to learn how to survive alongside murderers, drug dealers, and sex offenders.
After his release, MYP committed himself to documenting his prison experience and sharing with public. Through this podcast, he recounts the daily hardships of unjust imprisonment, including physical torture and psychological abuse. He shares how endless rumors of amnesty, selective violence, and the rage directed at political prisoners nearly broke his nerves, at times making him believe that even a flying pigeon could signal his release. MYP also describes encounters with civil servants who were kind-hearted but indoctrinated to see Myanmar’s democracy and freedom as a threat to national unity and the survival of Buddhism.
His effort to tell this story reminds us one important thing: freedom of expression is one of many civil things that authoritarians hate most and feel most threatened by. In a just society, prisons exist to hold people who truly harm others. In Myanmar, however, prisons are used to punish decent citizens, including artists, poets, students, youth and ordinary people, simply for speaking their minds. Together with Burma Podcast Network, the artist has decided to express himself again, bringing his memoir essays to this podcast series for the public.
Call for International Support
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), more than 30,000 civilians and pro-democracy activists have been arrested, and 173 death sentences have been issued by the Myanmar military junta (AAPP Report _ Jan 2026).
This podcast series is dedicated to the people of Myanmar who have been unlawfully arrested under authoritarian regimes and remain in prison, forgotten for their unjust fate. To reveal this truth, the artist risks his life and faces constant military surveillance to share their stories.
Currently, in collaboration with BPN, the artist has produced pilot episodes in Burmese that are limited to a Myanmar audience. Hundreds of thousands of social media users have already listened to the first two episodes. We are seeking support from friends and communities who can help translate and expand this podcast into an English-language series, allowing these stories of resistance and survival to reach a global audience.
About BPN
To date, BPN has produced 16 shows and more than 135 episodes, working with individuals and organizations from different fields. Our content reaches over 60,000 active listeners across Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and other podcast platforms.
Our six-member full-time production team, supported by research-based editorial work, ensures that every project we produce creates a positive impact for both the community and our collaborators.
Our mission is to promote analytical and critical thinking through well-crafted podcasts, amplify the voices of marginalized and under-represented professionals and active citizens, and inspire public awareness by connecting civic values with engaging, high-quality edutainment.