RAKHINE STATE – The cases of people charged for association with the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State has not been delivered the final verdict even after more than a year has passed, with only multiple delays in court appointment, said family members.
In 2022, during the resurgence of battles between AA and the junta council, several local residents were abducted and charged by the junta regime for having relations with AA.
Mr. Pyae Sone Win from Myauk U Township, who was abducted back in May 2022 and charged under section 17(i) for unlawful association and section 505(b) has not had any updates on his cases, according to his wife.
“There has been no updates on both cases. We can only attend when there is a court appointment but there was no hearing in the past several months. The hearing only continued in the last few weeks. I already want him to be freed but the trial is not even finished yet,” said the wife.
Similarly, Mr. Aung Tin Myint from Ahn Township and Dr. Kyaw Thura Tun from Taunggote Township, both charged under section 17(i) also have the date of their final verdict repeatedly postponed, said an acquaintance.
People abducted and charged for association with AA also include Mr. Kyaw Win Hlaing from Myauk U Township, Mr. Kyaw Hein, an IDP from Kawiyadanar IDP camp in Kyauktaw Township and the Tatminchaung administration officer from Buthitaung Township.
The junta council arbitrarily detained over 200 residents during the resurgence of battles in Rakhine but only over 80 of them have been released out of them, said the spokesperson for AA during the last press conference.