August 5th, 2022
The military council is carrying out the continual sentencing of the persons who are charged under the sections of the Counter Terrorism Law when tension between the military council troops and the Arakan Army (AA) mounts in Arakan State.
According to the list compiled by the DMG, sentences were handed down to 19 inmates among those who are facing the prolonged court trials for alleged link with the AA, in June and July this year.
The imprisoned ones are eight from Alechaung village in Yanbye Township, one from Zinchaung village in Kyaukphyu Township, one from MraukU Township, two from Aingdin village in Ponnagyun Township, five from Kyaukseik village, one from Sittwe Township and one from Rathaedaung Township.
They were arrested and charged for the alleged link with the AA during the clashes between the AA and the military.
“My younger brother has no link with the AA. He has poor social skills. He doesn’t know how to use the mobile phone. As he cannot drive a motorbike, he has to ride on the backseat on the day of arrest. I don’t know how he responded in fear when the military arrested him. I think the sentencing of the innocent persons to three years in prison after the prolonged detention is unfair,” Ma Khin Than Htay, the elder sister of Ko Maung Saw Aye who is sentenced to three years in prison from Aingdin village in Ponnagyun Township.
During the last two years in Arakan State, more than 200 people were arrested and charged for alleged links with the AA, according to the organizations which compiled the list of the detainees.
In late 2020, the military council granted amnesty to some detainees.
Daw Ni Ni Aye, the mother of Ko Nyi Nyi Aung from Kyaukseik village who is imprisoned said: “The sentencing of the remaining detainees is unfair when there is a military tension. I am not satisfied since my son was unjustly arrested. However, I cannot make any response to the government. The arrest and sentencing of the people for alleged links with the AA is totally unfair. Our family members don’t accept it.”
U Pe Than, Arakan politician said: “The final verdict for the terrorism charge may finalize the remaining cases when there is a tension with the AA. The sentencing of those arrested for alleged links with the AA amounts to a threat to the public when there is a military tension. It may set an example which evidently shows that those who have connection with the AA and support the AA will be arrested and imprisoned.”
Currently, more than 40 people are still facing terrorism charges for the alledged link with the AA.
Fighting between the military council troops and the AA resumed in Arakan State. The military tension and arrests of locals are reported in almost all regions.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)