Mrauk-U man charged with incitement appears in court

By DMG 19 Sep 2022

DMG Newsroom
19 September 2022, Mrauk-U

Ko Kyaw Zan Wai aka Ko Yin Hsot, a man from Mrauk-U, Arakan State, who was arrested on suspicion of having ties to the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and National Unity Government (NUG), and was subsequently charged under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, appeared before the district court on Monday, family members said.

The judge did not question Ko Kyaw Zan Wai during Monday’s court hearing and told him to hire a lawyer, said Ma Ei Kay Khaing, the wife of Ko Kyaw Zan Wai.

“The plaintiff didn’t attend the court hearing and the judge didn’t question him [Ko Kyaw Zan Wai]. The judge also told him to consult with the family over hiring a lawyer. He was not beaten in custody. He said he is OK in custody,” she added.

The court scheduled the next hearing for September 27, Ma Ei Kay Khaing said.

“The plaintiff is expected to attend the next hearing. My husband has no links with CRPH or NUG. My husband implored his family not to be discouraged or disappointed about the case,” she said.

Ko Kyaw Zan Wai was taken from his home in Mrauk-U’s Taungyat ward by junta soldiers on September 4. He was charged under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, the military council said on September 6. Section 505(a) of the Penal Code carries with it a maximum sentence of three years in prison.