Regime fines, releases dozens of detained residents in Sittwe

By Admin 06 Jan 2024

DMG Newsroom
6 January 2024, Sittwe

Dozens of local residents detained by Myanmar’s military regime at BXT port in the Arakan State capital Sittwe on December 12 have reportedly been fined and released, according to family members.

The junta detained 48 cargo workers and ferry boatmen on December 12 and held the detainees at Sittwe’s No. 1 police station for about 20 days.

“The detainees were released and told not to work at BXT port nor have links with the Arakan Army. All detained women paid a fine of K20,000 each. Some detained men paid a fine of K50,000 each to the police,” said a family member.

About 40 junta soldiers and policemen took the 53 ferry boatmen, vendors, travellers and students to BXT port in Sittwe at about 4 p.m. on December 12.

Of the detainees, four people including students and pregnant women were released on bail on December 25. The regime released 48 residents, but still detained U Maung Maung Than, a ferry boatman.

“I am happy to be freed. I want the rest to be released,” said a ferry boatman.

The regime has made a series of arrests of civilians in Sittwe since renewed fighting in Arakan State began on November 13.

A junta warship arrested 10 people travelling from Sittwe town to Pauktaw Township by boat on the evening of December 21 and family members are still unable to contact the arrestees.

The regime detained about 60 vendors, shoppers, cargo workers and local residents near BXT port in Sittwe on the morning of January 4 and arrestees are being held at Sittwe’s No.1 police station.

Since November 13, about 60 out of 170 residents detained by the regime in Sittwe have been released, according to a DMG tally.