Regime charges detained ex-reporter with incitement in Mrauk-U

07 Oct 2022

DMG Newsroom
7 October 2022, Mrauk-U

Ko Mrat Thu Tun aka Ko Phoe Thiha, a former reporter in Arakan State’s Mrauk-U who was detained by the Myanmar military, was charged under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code on Friday, according to family members of the accused.

Ko Phoe Thiha was sued under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code at the township court in Mrauk-U and his next hearing has been scheduled for October 13, said a family member.

“He was reportedly charged with incitement under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code. We were allowed to meet him and he is in good health,” the family member added.

The 38-year-old was taken from his home by junta soldiers and police near Latkauk bazaar in Arakan State’s Mrauk-U at about 1 p.m. on September 20.

He was detained at the military’s Light Infantry Battalion No. 377 in Mrauk-U and was subsequently transferred to the Myoma police station on October 3.

“I want him released as soon as possible, in a safe and healthy manner,” the family member of Ko Phoe Thiha added.

Ko Phoe Thiha previously worked as a reporter for multiple Arakan State-based news outlets, as well as for media organisations in mainland Myanmar.

Ko Kyaw Zan Wai aka Ko Yin Hsot was taken from his home in Mrauk-U’s Taungyat ward by junta soldiers on September 4. He was reportedly arrested on suspicion of having ties to the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and National Unity Government (NUG), and charged under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, the military council said on September 6.

Ko Yin Hsot was also charged under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code and family members said they will hire a lawyer to defend the case against him.