Dozens of Mon State residents arrested for alleged anti-regime ties

By Admin 21 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
21 December 2023, Mawlamyine, Mon State

The regime reportedly arrested at least 20 residents, including an officer from the General Administration Department (GAD), philanthropists and businessmen, in Mon State and charged the accused under the Counterterrorism Law in December.

The regime on December 18 arrested U Aung Ko Ko, Deputy Staff Officer, from Thanbyuzayat GAD and two staff employees on suspicion of sending information to anti-regime forces.

“Three GAD staff members were abducted at their homes on suspicion of sending information about junta employees and were charged under Section 50(a) of the Counterterrorism Law,” said a source close to the township police force.

The regime has detained 20 residents including contractors, gold shop owners and restaurateurs in Thanbyuzayat, accusing them of funding the National Unity Government, the parallel administration in exile, and its armed wing the People’s Defence Force (PDF). The regime has prosecuted the accused under Section 50(a) of the Counterterrorism Law.

Daw Chaw Su Su Htwe, chairwoman of a local charity in Thaton, was arrested for writing a comment on the post of a resistance fighter on December 16. She has reportedly been sued under Section 50(a) of the Counterterrorism Law.

“She [Daw Chaw Su Su Htwe] was not allowed to meet family members. I was told by a friend that she has been charged under Section 50(a) of the Counterterrorism Law. I am worried about her safety during the interrogation. She is a social activist,” said a family member of Daw Chaw Su Su Htwe.

The regime also arrested Ko Zwe Arkar, a local man in Mawlamyine, on December 5 for sharing news about the anti-junta movement on social networks.

The regime arrested U Mya Than, a member of a local anti-regime force in Thanbyuzayat Township, and confiscated a pistol in his possession on November 30, with a police manhunt for remaining resistance fighters ongoing, locals said.

The Mon State military council has formed a special investigation team to find and arrest the authors of posts supporting the NUG and PDF through social media and those providing financial backing.

The regime filed a lawsuit against 35 people —15 men and 20 women — in Mon State under Section 50(a) of the Counterterrorism Law from September through November.