Minbya man charged with unlawful association dies at Ann hospital

By Admin 05 Jul 2023

DMG Newsroom
5 July 2023, Ann

A man from Nardin Village, part of Arakan State’s Minbya Township, who was being held at Ann Myoma police station, died on July 1 while receiving medical treatment at Ann people’s hospital, according to family members.

The 29-year-old has been identified as U Maung Than Soe. He was arrested on suspicion of having ties to the Arakan Army (AA) and had been facing trial under Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act at the Ann Township Court.

He was in poor health during the trial and died because he did not get medical treatment in time, family members said.

“During a court hearing last month, he also said he had shortness of breath. He had asthma and was sick for a month. We asked to allow him to receive medical treatment, but the police did not allow it. He had to eat boiled rice for a month. That day, he started having trouble breathing and when he couldn’t take it anymore, the police sent him to the hospital. He was in the hospital for only one hour and died,” U Aung Htwee San, the father of the victim, told DMG.

Ko Maung Than Soe was arrested on suspicion of having links with the AA at a bus station in Thandwe in October 2021. A military officer filed a lawsuit against him under Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act and transferred him to Ann Myoma police station. He was detained at Ann Myoma police station for more than nine months and his family members say he died due to lack of medical care.

“Compared to other township police stations, the Ann police station has more strict security,” said Ko Myo Lwin, a local activist in Ann. “Since Ann is close to the military headquarters, there are military officers who manage some cases. Detainees do not receive proper healthcare services. As for Ko Maung Than Soe, I know of his death because he was prosecuted under political charges.”

DMG attempted to contact the head of the Ann police station for comment regarding the family members’ accusations that Ko Maung Than Soe died as he was not allowed to receive medical treatment in time, but he could not be reached.

The prison manual stipulates that every inmate has the right to receive appropriate health care while incarcerated and to be visited by family members once a week.

“If a person is arrested and brought to trial for any reason, the person is innocent as long as the court does not issue an order. Regarding his health condition, not allowing him to receive medical treatment is a deliberate violation of the law by the authorities. These are crimes committed,” said a lawyer in Sittwe.

A local in Pauktawpyin Village, Mrauk-U Township, died at Sittwe General Hospital in July 2019 after he was arrested by the military on suspicion of having ties to the AA and was tortured at an interrogation centre.