Ethnic protesters in Japan demand release of detained Myanmar students

By Nyan Hein 26 Nov 2020

Nyan Hein | DMG
26 November 2020, Sittwe  

Members of Myanmar ethnic minorities staged a demonstration in front of the United Nations office in Tokyo, Japan, on November 26, demanding that Myanmar authorities release students arrested for participating in protests against conflict and human rights violations in Arakan State. 

The demonstration was attended by about 80 people, led by the Arakan National Democractic Party (ANDP-Japan), Overseas Karen Organization (OKO-Japan) and Kachin National Organisation (KNO-Japan), said the general secretary of ANDP-Japan, Ko Thet Tun Aung. 

“The reason for this demonstration is to release as soon as possible the students who have been detained for protesting about Arakan affairs,” he told DMG. 

“And, we also demand to get back 4G internet access at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also want equality of ethnic people under the new government,” he added. 

Ten human rights organisations including Athan, which advocates for freedom of expression, released a joint statement on November 23 calling on the Myanmar government to release the detained student protesters and drop the charges being brought against them. 

According to figures compiled by Athan, 61 people have been charged in connection with the Arakan protests, and up to 21 have been arrested and/or sentenced so far. 

The 10 human rights organisations raising concerns this week, including international advocacy groups Fortify Rights and Human Rights Watch, also called for the restoration of full internet access in Arakan State and Paletwa Township, Chin State, as well as a review of several laws and statutes being used to prosecute the students. 

An organiser for ANDP-Japan, Ko Tun Tun Oo, said respect for the basic rights of Arakan’s people had declined during the NLD government’s term in office. 

He added that barring 4G internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic was a violation of human rights, and in contravention of democractic norms and equality.