The prison is notorious worldwide for its inhumane conditions, corruption, abuse of inmates, and use of mental and physical torture.

[5][4] Following the demolition of Rangoon Central Gaol after World War II, Insein Prison became Yangon's primary correctional facility.

"[6] Prisoners have reportedly been beaten with a rubber pipe filled with sand and chased by dogs, forcing them to crawl on their hands and knees across a gravel path.

A further four inmates were later tortured and killed by the prison guards who believed they had been the ringleaders of the initial protest that culminated in the mass shooting.

According to Aung Din, the executive director of the Washington-based U.S. Campaign for Burma, "The latest information we have received is that six of the ‘leaders’ of the strike from the male group have been moved to what is known as the 'dog cell'—a small cell block where they could be tortured and family visits are not allowed."

[8] In October 2022, a blast occurred at the prison in which eight persons died,[9] including guards,[10] and 18 visitors were injured.