Men in Kyaukphyu District charged for alleged attacks on Navy vessels

By Hnin Nwe 16 Nov 2020

Hnin Nwe | DMG
16 November 2020, Sittwe 

The Myanmar military has opened cases under the Counter-Terrorism Law against six of eight Kyaukphyu District residents detained for allegedly attacking Navy vessels in Ramree Township earlier this month. 

On November 9, the Tatmadaw said it had arrested five residents of Ramree Township and three from Sanae town in neighbouring Kyaukphyu Township, accusing them of attacking military boats in the Tanzin River. The military alleges that the eight men are members of the Arakan Army (AA), which the government has labeled a terrorist organisation. 

The eight suspects were transferred to the Kyaukphyu police station, and legal proceedings are underway, the military said on November 9. The suspects’ families have insisted they are innocent. 

Ko Tun Hla, one of the three detainees from Sanae town, was released on November 10, but the two other Sanae men face charges under Section 50(j) and Section 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law, according to the Kyaukphyu police. 

“The following day, I was asked to sign for my release. Two others were left at the police station. I heard their family members were not allowed to meet with them,” said Ko Tun Hla.

When asked by DMG, the head of the Kyaukphyu police station, Police Captain Kyaw Zaw, said four detainees from Ramree Township had arrived at the police station and were being charged under Section 50(a), 50(j), and 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law. 

“The four are currently being detained at Kyaukphyu police station. The case was opened at Ramree police station. The fifth one has not yet arrived at the police station. He is still being interrogated by the Tatmadaw,” he said. 

According to a list compiled by DMG, at least 104 people have been detained on suspicion of having ties to the Arakan Army from January to November 14. Some are facing charges, and others have been convicted and sentenced, while there has been little information made available about several of the detainees.