Negotiations underway for release of detainees accused of illegal AA affiliation, ethnic army’s spokesman says

By DMG 05 Mar 2022

DMG Newsroom
5 March 2022, Sittwe

Negotiations are underway through the Myanmar military and intermediaries for the release of those arrested on suspicion of having links with the Arakan Army (AA), the ethnic armed group’s spokesman U Khaing Thukha said at a press conference Saturday.

The Myanmar military and Arakan Army reached an informal ceasefire agreement in November 2020, following two years of often deadly and devastating conflict in Arakan State.

“Arrests during this revolution are likely to continue. We, the United League of Arakan and Army Army (ULA/AA), are doing our best to secure the release of the AA members and innocent civilians. We are also coordinating with the State Administration Council (SAC) to release the detainees through our intermediaries,” said U Khaing Thuka.

He continued that in the past, those arrested in connection with alleged AA ties were released through intermediaries.

“Frankly, no agreement has been signed between the SAC and the Arakan Army. An informal ceasefire was reached between the SAC and the Arakan Army. The release of prisoners who were arrested on suspicion of having ties to the Arakan Army has been done through intermediaries,” he said.

In a February 12 gesture marking Union Day, Myanmar’s military regime released more than 40 people who were detained and had been facing trial on charges related to alleged AA affiliations. However, some high-profile detainees were not included in the mass pardon, including five residents of Kyaukseik village and the surrounding vicinity who face long prison terms if convicted of the terrorism charges they are facing.

Family members have repeatedly demanded the release of the five Kyaukseik villagers as their trial has made its way, haltingly, through court.

“We have been facing trial for about two years, but they have not been released yet. I want my son released as soon as possible,” said Daw Ni Ni, the mother of detained Kyaukseik villager Ko Nyi Nyi Aung.

At present, about 70 people are still reportedly being held at multiple Arakan State prisons on suspicion of illegal AA affiliation.