Lack of transparency in rape cases raises concerns over ULA judiciary

By Admin 24 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

24 March 2026, Ponnagyun

As cases of rape and statutory rape continue to rise across Arakan State, local residents are questioning the judicial system of the United League of Arakan (ULA) over a perceived lack of transparency in legal proceedings and punishments.

Women’s rights activists argue that the failure to publicly disclose how perpetrators are punished has contributed to the increase in such crimes.

“The rise in these cases undermines the safety of women and the well-being of families,” said a young woman in Ponnagyun. “It may be happening because the judiciary and legal authorities are not clearly informing the public about what punishments are being imposed for specific crimes.”

In the first three months of 2026 alone, four attempted statutory rape cases have been reported in Mrauk-U, Pauktaw, and Maungdaw Townships. Activists noted that at least eight similar incidents were recorded throughout 2025.

Notable cases include a teacher from the Tayzar Yarma monastic school in Mrauk-U, who allegedly attempted to sexually abuse four kindergarten students aged between six and eight between 2025 and 2026.

Another case occurred on March 16 in Aung Thukha Village, Maungdaw Township, where a man allegedly attempted to rape and murder a two-year-old girl before trying to conceal the body.

The public also remains uninformed about the final verdicts in several high-profile cases, including the 2022 Ma Nwe Thandar Win case, the 2023 Daw Hnin Yu Nwe case, and multiple incidents in Myebon Township in 2024.

Activists warn that the lack of transparency could embolden potential offenders.

“The current wave of rape cases stems from the absence of clear and visible enforcement of laws,” said a 30-year-old activist in Mrauk-U. “Justice must be applied fairly and openly, without influence from money or power. To ensure offenders are not shielded, they must be punished in a way that the public can clearly see.”

Security concerns have also been raised, as some suspects in areas controlled by the Arakan Army have reportedly escaped custody. On March 3, a man identified as U Tun Aung Chay, accused of raping an eight-year-old girl in Phadugyi Village, Pauktaw Township, reportedly fled after being arrested by the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS).

There has also been no official update regarding two Arakan Army members accused of committing rape in Paletwa Township in September 2024, including whether they have been apprehended.

On March 22, the DLEPS announced that statutory rape in Arakan State would be punishable by life imprisonment or a 20-year prison sentence, while attempted rape would carry a sentence of 10 years with hard labour.

However, women’s rights activists continue to urge authorities to enforce these laws strictly and transparently, while encouraging victims to speak out against sexual violence.