Former U.S. Marine Credits Trump for His Release After 97 Days in Myanmar Jail

Washington, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : Adam Castillo, a former U.S. Marine who spent 97 days in detention in Myanmar, has credited former President Donald Trump with his release. Castillo stated that without Trump’s intervention, he might not have survived his ordeal. He expressed frustration with the U.S. State Department, claiming it did not assist and even hindered efforts for his release.

After his arrest, Castillo was initially held for 14 days before being transferred to Insein Prison, notorious for its harsh conditions, where he spent the remaining 83 days. He clarified that he was not convicted of any crime but was detained due to a dispute involving his former organization, the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar. This internal conflict escalated to a point where it attracted police attention and became an international issue, necessitating presidential intervention for his release.

Castillo emphasized the critical role Trump played, stating, “I owe my life to the president.” He also thanked various individuals and organizations, including Vice President JD Vance and the Faith Council, for their support. Despite the collective efforts, he noted that the final decision for his release came from Trump.

When questioned about the State Department’s involvement, Castillo did not hold back, accusing it of failing to provide any assistance. He remarked, “There is a difference between failing to help and lacking the will to help.” Many individuals who worked towards his release reportedly faced obstacles from the department.

Reflecting on his time in Insein Prison, Castillo described conditions that contrasted with common perceptions. He acknowledged improvements made over the years by various entities, including the prison administration and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Each cell was equipped with a toilet, and he commended the efforts to enhance living conditions, which he felt often went unrecognized.

He stated, “I did not witness any incidents of violence or abuse during my time there. However, this is my personal experience and should not be generalized to all inmates.”

Discussing the broader political climate in Myanmar, Castillo noted the ongoing struggles of the population, who have been enduring war, sanctions, and economic hardships. In major cities like Yangon, residents are focusing on returning to normalcy and meeting basic needs.

Having lived in Myanmar for nearly 13 years, Castillo observed a palpable fatigue among the people due to the prolonged conflict. He described the pro-democracy armed resistance as fragmented and decentralized, with various ethnic armed groups pursuing their own objectives, lacking a unifying leadership.