Former ANP youth leader charged under terrorism law

By Admin 08 Jun 2024

DMG Newsroom
8 June 2024, Sittwe

Myanmar’s military regime has opened a case against a former youth leader of the Arakan National Party (ANP) under Section 50(j) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.

Ko Gambari aka Khin Win Maung was arrested on the night of May 31 at a house in Yangon's Hlaing Township where he was taking shelter after fleeing fighting between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) in Arakan State. He was remanded in custody at the Ahlone Township Court on Friday.

Ko Gambari was arrested for allegedly funding an unlawful organisation, according to sources.

“After he was arrested, 10 million kyats were found in his possession. He was accused of having ties with an organisation. He was remanded in custody yesterday,” said a friend of Ko Gambari.

It has become routine for the regime to target social activists, according to Arakan State residents.

“The regime has given more attention to high-profile social media accounts. And it has also targeted young people. Social activists feel unsafe,” said a Pauktaw resident.

The regime is also reportedly searching for individuals close to Ko Gambari, prompting his friends to go into hiding.

A native of Pauktaw Township, Ko Gambari is a former leader of the youth wing of the ANP’s central executive committee. He is also a social activist helping displaced people.

If found guilty, he faces 10 years to life imprisonment and a fine under Section 50(j) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.