Another Byaing Phyu villager dies of injuries sustained in military custody

By Admin 24 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
24 September 2024, Sittwe

A local man from Byaing Phyu Village in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, died from injuries he sustained while in military custody on September 21, according to sources close to the family of the deceased.

Ko Ah Pein Chay, a 28-year-old resident from Byaing Phyu Village, was arrested in May but was released in July. He had been receiving medical treatment at Sittwe General Hospital for about two months, but died over the weekend from injuries sustained while in military custody.

"He was among hundreds of Byaing Phyu villagers arrested by the regime on May 29. He was charged, but he was released later as he was not guilty. During the interrogation, he was beaten and his lungs were crushed. He was hospitalised but did not survive," said a relative of the victim.

In June, 27 residents of Byaing Phyu Village received treatment at Sittwe Hospital for injuries they sustained while in military custody. Of them, U Kan Tun Thein and U Mellar died on June 11.

With three local men from Byaing Phyu Village now having died after being tortured in military custody, family members and residents want justice.

"My family members and all the villagers faced difficulties. Some detainees died after being tortured in military custody. I want to demand that the authorities take action against the regime's crimes against innocent people," said a resident of Byaing Phyu Village.

Junta soldiers and allied troops raided Byaing Phyu Village on May 29, killing nearly 80 people and initially abducting more than 300 villagers.

After two weeks during which torture has been widely alleged, many were freed but scores more remain in custody, and the regime has brought legal proceedings against more than 60 of them.

A sixth court hearing for more than 100 Byaing Phyu villagers took place at the Sittwe Prison court on August 30, and at least 50 of them were sentenced to three years in prison under Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act and Section 188 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, family members said.