Despite flub, prosecution gets second life as Thandwe activist’s incitement trial continues

By DMG 28 Mar 2022

DMG Newsroom
28 March 2022, Thandwe

The plaintiff and all prosecution witnesses in the case against Ko Han Myo Thurein, who has been charged with incitement under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, were examined during a court hearing on Monday, according to a lawyer involved.

The chief of Thandwe Township police station was summoned to testify as a witness during Monday’s court hearing amid contradictions between the prosecution’s stance and statements from the plaintiff and prosecution witnesses in the case.

Ko Han Myo Thurein will be examined at the next court hearing as all prosecution witnesses in the case have been questioned, said Ma Myo Tin Zar Tun, a Higher Grade Pleader.

“The head of the Thandwe Township police station testified as a witness and Ko Han Myo Thurein will be questioned at the next hearing,” the lawyer told DMG.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 7, and a list of five people was reportedly submitted to the court to testify as defence witnesses.

U Chan Min Latt, Thandwe’s deputy township administrator, filed the case against Ko Han Myo Thurein under Section 505(b), an incitement provision of the Penal Code that has been frequently used by Myanmar’s military regime to stifle dissent.

A resident of Ngapali’s Jittaw ward, Ko Han Myo Thurein is an active participant in local civil society organisations in Arakan State, as well as being a human rights trainer.