A local activist is put on trial

By Min Tun 23 Sep 2019

Min Tun | DMG

23 September, Sittwe

Ko Than Hla, alias Ko Min Bar Chay, who presented a performance during military detention as a campaign to end fighting between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Arakan State, was arraigned on Monday in Sittwe Township court under section 19 of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law.

Six young activists including Ko Than Hla mounted a campaign in Sittwe on 4 July to have justice for civilians who died during interrogations and to end hostilities in Arakan State.

Police arrested Ko Than Hla on 20 September for presenting the performance, but he was bailed out and must appear in court.

He stated in the court hearing on Monday that he was not guilty. The case comes up for trial on 30 September.

“I insisted that I was innocent. I demanded to take effective actions against perpetrators over the death of detained civilians and wrongly arrest civilians. I just ask for the rule of law and a ceasefire,” the accused said.

He has also been charged under the same section for demonstrating in front of the office of the Arakan State government on 17 January. He was prosecuted by policemen from Sittwe’s No. 1 police station.

On 16 January last year, a scuffle broke out between police and local people who participated in the ceremony to mark the fall of Arakan Kingdom in Mrauk-U city when authorities told them the event was not given a permit for the event.

Police shot guns during the riot, killing 7 civilians and injuring 12 others in Mrauk-U, ancient city of Arakan.