ND Burma
ND-Burma formed in 2004 in order to provide a way for Burma human rights organizations to collaborate on the human rights documentation process. The 13 ND-Burma member organizations seek to collectively use the truth of what communities in Burma have endured to advocate for justice for victims. ND-Burma trains local organizations in human rights documentation; coordinates members’ input into a common database using Martus, a secure open-source software; and engages in joint-advocacy campaigns.
Recent Posts
- Myanmar junta bombs Rohingya Muslim village killing 41, rescuers say
- Myanmar’s junta cuts filmmaker’s life sentence to 15 years as part of wider amnesty
- Close The Sky
- International condemnation of the escalating humanitarian crisis and rights violations in Myanmar
- Women in Karenni State face increasing levels of violence
Seeking Justice in Burma November 2019
/in Justice NewslettersSummary Report:
Important steps forward were made towards justice and accountability this month for human-rights violations committed by armed actors and security forces in Burma.
The Gambia submitted a case to the United Nations highest court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging Burma had violated the Geneva Convention. State Counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi has declared she will lead the defense alongside the Burma Army in response to the charges that genocide was committed against Rohingya Muslims. Two Burma military officers will also join the Burma government’s Special Unit to the ICJ. A statement by the government on their position can be read here.
It was first reported that the ten signatories of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) were in support of the move by the government to defend itself against the genocide accusations – however, the Karen National Union rejected this claim stating that it is not a ‘collective position.’
Argentina also named Aung San Suu Kyi in a case filed for crimes against the Rohingya Muslims. The continued denial of grave human-rights abuses against ethnic people, despite the many credible UN and local reports with evidence to suggest otherwise, has contributed to the ongoing decline of democratic values that the National League for Democracy (NLD) once so firmly promised to uphold.
Burma’s weak rule of law and long-time need for reforms led an NLD House Parliamentarian this month to question why so few criminals fear arrest. Burma’s lack of judiciary independence has undermined the efficiency of rule of law and led many –including criminals being tried, or awaiting trial, to not take the process seriously. Civilians meanwhile, especially journalists and activists, are finding spaces for freedom of expression increasingly inaccessible. Many of those arrested in the last several months have accused the judicial system of being unfair and biased and too often ruling in favour of the military’s interest.
Further examination of Burma’s current mechanisms to uphold transparency and accountability for human-rights violations are far from adequate, as was made clear in a new report by Saferworld titled, ‘Democratising Myanmar’s Security Sector.’ The report addresses the ‘struggle for democratic control of Burma’s security and justice sectors, especially the military, police, prisons, courts and intelligence services.’ The International Commission of Jurists also released a timely briefing paper calling for immediate reforms to strengthen the effectiveness of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission.
Aung San Suu Kyi will personally lead a team to The Hague to “defend the national interest of Myanmar.”
Credit: (AFP) via Frontier Myanmar
Fighting in Rakhine and Shan States Indicative of An Ongoing Crisis of Displacement and Lack of Accountability
Rakhine
Viral Clip Shows Man Beaten, Killed by Armed Group
A disturbing clip of a man in civilian clothes shows him being beaten to death by a soldier in Rakhine State. No one has taken responsibility for the attack as the video does not show identification of the organization or armed group.
Lawmakers, Civilians Abducted by the Arakan Army (AA)
Several individuals including an Upper House ethnically Chin NLD Lawmaker, Hawi Tin, were abducted when traveling by boat in Rakhine State. One of the individuals died in custody of the armed group with the AA later releasing eight people, including the body of the deceased. The lawmaker, however, has not been freed, prompting a statement from ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights and Amnesty International over fears of his safety and immediate, unconditional release.
Families Concerned Over Whereabouts of Abducted Civilians
Nearly a month after three civilians were abducted by the Burma Army, including a young Abbot, families remain concerned about their well-being having been given no information.
Remains of a Missing Villager Found
The remains of a civilian from Rathedaung township in Rakhine were found among burning ash. U Maung Thein Kyaw was one of the few residents who stayed in the village when security forces entered while many others fled.
Injury, Death Following Artillery Shelling
One civilian died and another was injured by heavy artillery shelling in Rakhine State, Rathedaung Township by the Burma Army during clashes with the Arakan Army.
Ongoing violence in Rakhine State has experts estimating that as many as 100 000 people have been forcibly displaced by the clashes between the Burma Army and Arakan Army over the last year.
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Shan State
Village Chairmen Shot Dead
Three northern Shan village heads were killed in Kyaukme by two unknown gunmen mid-afternoon in a restaurant. The attack prompted some to speculate the three were killed for seeking help from Shan community leaders to prevent the Shan EAO, the RCSS, from seizing recruits. The event has caused unrest and fear among civilians about who they speak to and what is said.
Civilians Wounded by Gunfire
Four civilians in Kutkai were injured in Shan State after being struck by bullets fired at a school teacher and his driver, as well as two motorcyclists amidst ongoing clashes between the TNLA and the Burma Army.
Civilian Injured, Property Damaged in Attack
A woman sustained non-life threatening injuries and houses and cars were destroyed after the TNLA launched an attack against the Burma Army in Lashio. TNLA denied responsibility. Locals remain in a ‘state of panic’ as a lack of accountability continues in ethnic areas.
Landmine Kills German Tourist
A foreigner from Germany was killed in Hsipaw, Shan State after driving over the landmine on a motorcycle. An Argentinian woman was also hospitalized.
Six Karenni youth give a press conference to the media on Nov. 7 after being sentenced to six months in jail by the Loikaw Township Court. The Irrawaddy, 7 November 2019
Freedom of Expression Undermined by Power of the Military
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Prominent Political Activists Sued by Military for Suggesting Amendments be Made to 2008-Constitution
A lawyer, poet and former Army Captain saw a case opened against them when they suggested charter amendments to the 2008-military drafted Constitution. According to the military – doing so ‘defamed’ the Army’s leadership. The controversial Article 505(a) of the Penal Code has been used to target activists and carries a two-year sentence for anyone convicted. Director of Athan, a group advocating freedom of expression, has noted an increase in the number of attempts by the military to sue activists. Since April, of 30 cases filed, 24 were filed directly by the Burma Army against 77 people.
Karenni Youth Face Prison Time under Article 8(d) of the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens.
Six-Karenni activists who called the Kayah State Minister a traitor and political criminal for his justification of the controversial statue of General Aung San, were sentenced to six-months in prison. The activists maintained that the statue represents a symbol of ‘unfulfilled promises by the assassinated general at the Panglong Agreement of 1947.’
Shortly after the sentencing, the Kayah State government appealed to a higher court to see the six Karenni youth arrested have increased prison sentences. In response, one of the recently released Karenni activists said, “The chief minister is planning to keep us behind bars until after the 2020 election. It is totally unacceptable. He is oppressing us by holding grudges [for expressing opposition against him].”
The sentence reaffirms Burma’s failure to promote spaces for freedom of expression and tolerance for the desires of ethnic people.
Peacock Generation Members Sentenced Under Controversial Laws
Members have been sentenced under Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Act for ‘online defamation’ and under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code for a satirical performance criticizing the authorities. In a statement addressing censorship and freedom of expression, Amnesty International called the charges ‘ludicrous.’
Peace Talks Expected to Resume Before end of Year Against Backdrop of Stalled Negotiations
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Burma’s human rights situation is rapidly deteriorating under the lens of mounting international scrutiny. Nonetheless, the government and EAOs who have signed the NCA are in talks to resume the Joint Ceasefire Implementation Committee Meeting – which would be observed as a sign that formal peace negotiations may be back on track soon. The talks have been postponed since November 2018.
Fighting between NCA signatories is active in Shan State, Karen State, Kachin State and most recently an outbreak of violence erupted in Mon State.
Justice News & Resources
A new report released by The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) suggests Burma’s criminal law and justice system perpetuates stigmatization, discrimination, and human rights violations against its LGBTQ people.
The report, In the Shadows, can be downloaded here.
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Several groups and media outlets shared resources on Burma’s recent international court proceedings. The ICJ produced useful explainers following accusations that Burma violated the Genocide Convention including a piece on how international initiatives can support peace and justice in the country. ICJ Legal Adviser, Kingsley Abbott participated in an interview with BBC Burmese about the process for the International Criminal Court.
Citizens for Global Solutions highlighted the importance of the Gambia invoking genocide against Burma in a piece that cities the Gambia as ‘acting as the conscience of the world society,’ by sending a clear message to Burma and the rest of the world that such atrocities are unacceptable – and must not be tolerated. Learn more about the Genocide Convention – which Burma became a party to in 1956 – here.
Additionally, Frontier Myanmar wrote a helpful guide on the filing of cases against Burma and its leaders which addresses specifically how these cases emerged and what is likely to happen next.
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The Karen Human Rights Group launched their latest thematic report, ‘Beyond the Horizon: Local Perspectives on Peace, Justice and Accountability in Southeast Myanmar,’ which addresses transitional justice mechanisms by looking at past and present human rights violations and how they impact civilian pathways to justice.
The report can be downloaded here.
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A new book by renowned Burma historian, Thant Myint-U titled ‘The Hidden History of Burma’ explores how to liberalize and reform the country amidst the many different power dynamics. The Wall-Street Journal reviews the book here.
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ND-Burma member, Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), released a thematic report titled, ‘The Systematic Use of Torture by Totalitarian Regimes in Burma and the Experiences of Political Prisoners.’ The report documents different types of torture and details its systematic nature in prisons and in interrogation centers across Burma. It goes into detail about techniques of torture that were used, how torture was used as a tool to oppress political dissidents, different experiences of political prisoners faced.
Download the report from their website here.
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The 16-Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence began on 25 November and will last until 10 December. Numerous women’s groups have written statements addressing the epidemic of violence against women and girls in Burma and the need to strengthen rule of law to protect survivors. See statements from the Women’s League of Burma and the Karen Women’s Organization, who also authored an editorial on their theme for the 16-Day Campaign, ‘Use Your Power to Protect.’
Pressure to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable continues to take precedent as activists, civil-society organizations and international governments continue to lobby the Burmese military and government to act in good faith by cooperating with recommended transitional justice mechanisms.
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Our latest report calls for agency & accountability against perpetrators of
human-rights violations in Burma with mass abuses taking place predominantly in Kachin, Shan & Rakhine states from January to June 2019.
The report is now available online.
Burmese: http://ow.ly/iOGw50wegfa English: http://ow.ly/OQXg50wegfw
Rape & Sexual Violence: High Profile Child-Rape ‘Victoria’ Case Continues
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Evidence was found to be corrupted in the most recent development to the ongoing ‘Victoria’ child-rape case. Despite 11 downloaded CCTV records, several were found to be damaged once the memory stick and hard-disk had been given back to school. As such, the Naypyitaw court found no original video evidence where the rape of a two-year old girl took place in May 2019. The court has said it would investigate with technicians at an ‘appropriate time.’ The child has been dubbed ‘Victoria’ by the media to protect the identity of the young girl.
Another development in the ‘Victoria’ case saw the forensic doctor testify and confirm that the toddler was raped. This counters claims by the police and skeptics who suggested that child was not sexually assaulted at all.
The case has witnessed growing calls for justice from the general public and harsher sentences against those who commit child rape. There have also been numerous allegations that the alleged perpetrator in question is a scapegoat to protect the real culprit believed to have committed the crime. Burma has signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child and is legally and morally obligated to protect children – rather than use the law strategically to protect those in power.
IDPs in Kachin State Fearful
Despite attempts to agree on a bilateral ceasefire agreement by the KIA and the Burma Army’s Northern Command, there continues to be concerns about the safety and security of Kachin IDPs who lack access to humanitarian aid. Villagers have been fleeing for eight-years and as a result, civilians have developed serious trust issues with negotiating stakeholders.
Once Bitten, Twice Shy: Myanmar’s Kachin IDPs Demand Ceasefire Before Returning Home
Internally displaced people at their homes in Mung Na camp in Waingmaw Township, Kachin State, in October 2019. Photo credit: The Irrawaddy
ND-Burma is a network that consists of 13 member organisations who represent a range of ethnic nationalities, women and former political prisoners. ND-Burma member organisations have been documenting human rights abuses and fighting for justice for victims since 2004. The network consists of six Full Members and six Affiliate Members as follows:
Full Members:
Affiliate Members:
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Mission to The Hague: Defending the Indefensible?
/in NewsBy AUNG ZAW 22 November 2019
The news has sent shockwaves through the Myanmar public: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will travel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to contest an accusation of genocide, and lead the country’s legal defense team.
The decision was welcomed with excitement by a majority of social media users. Though many expressed uncertainty as to what it means and the potential perils of the ICJ, by and large there has been an unconditional outpouring of support and sympathy for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
At the same time, some of her supporters say it’s a bad idea: Why should she stick her neck out and risk falling flat on her face in The Hague? They say they can’t believe she is going to the ICJ to defend the military’s actions.
The ICJ case will be the first of several international legal attempts to bring Myanmar to justice over the Rohingya crisis.
No details have yet been released regarding the State Counselor’s preparations, or who will accompany her to The Hague next month. But it is expected that she will travel with a team of international legal experts, as the government recently announced it had hired a number of prominent international lawyers.
Indeed, a team of legal experts will be needed. She has no background whatsoever in this department.
The Rohingya crisis in northern Rakhine State saw Daw Aung San Suu Kyi subject to international criticism and her moral authority questioned over her silence to condemn the military crackdown that prompted the Rohingya exodus.
In 2017, the Myanmar army was involved in clearance operations against the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army terrorists after they attacked police outposts and killed many civilians in northern Rakhine in 2017. The operation prompted an exodus of Rohingya, known locally as “Bengalis”, to Bangladesh. Most people in Myanmar regard the Rohingya as illegal immigrants from the neighboring country.
Army reaction
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s announcement also came as surprising news to the army leadership. The generals, though they haven’t said so publicly yet, welcomed her decision.
President U Win Myint plans to call a top-level security briefing, and top army leaders are expected to attend.
Army chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi have a strained relationship and it is likely that Vice Senior General Soe Win would attend the meeting. But it is not known what support the army is prepared to offer her legal team.
However, the army generals owe a debt of gratitude to the State Counselor for her decision, as they would have zero capacity to mount a defense at the ICJ. It has also raised hopes that by moving to defend the military, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will gain some bargaining power when it comes to amending the 2008 Constitution—something the military has staunchly resisted.
Critics point out that Myanmar is divided, with the civilian government and the military at odds. As the saying goes, two lions share a cave.
Many army officers who are familiar with the internal politics inside the armed forces would like to see more coordination between the government and top army leaders as the country faces condemnation and international lawsuits.
Several mid-ranking officers familiar with the Rakhine crisis have long wanted to see their top leaders engage more with international actors and media to explain what unfolded in 2017 in Rakhine State. At the same time, they are frustrated by the one-sided accusations against Myanmar and acknowledge the huge gap between the narrative that exists in Myanmar and the one perceived by the international community. Unsurprisingly, respect toward Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, whom they describe as a “strong and principle-minded politician”, is still there inside the armed forces.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s decision is a calculated one and has no doubt surprised many, including in her inner circle and among her aides.
She knows that Myanmar’s majority Buddhist Burmans are behind her. She also knows that she needs support from the military. She will also need support from the many ethnic communities (including their armed groups) and organizations that live and operate inside the country.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi—who is now State Counselor and the de facto leader of the government—has one eye on the 2020 general election. Perhaps she sees this ICJ lawsuit—and the obligation it imposes on her to defend the country against allegations of genocide at the UN’s top court—as a blessing in disguise. But how can she prevail?
During her visit to Shan State this week, the State Counselor told residents she would like to see peace take hold in the country within her lifetime.
Before the peace, she must face the music in The Hague. This is the country’s destiny.
Irrawaddy News
Letter from Jail: Members of poetry troupe in Myanmar
/in NewsLetter from Zeyar Lwin and Paing Ye Thu members of the Peacock Generation in Myanmar
Seven members of the Peacock Generation—Kay Khine Tun, Zayar Lwin, Paing Pyo Min, Paing Ye Thu, Zaw Lin Htut, Su Yadanar Myint and Nyein Chan Soe —were arrested in April and May 2019 after they performed Thangyat, a traditional performance art akin to slam poetry during the Thingyan Water Festival in April. On 30 October 2019, five of them were convicted under Section 505 (a) of Myanmar’s Penal Code at Mayangon Township Court in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, and sentenced to one year in prison. Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code prohibits the circulation of statements and reports with the intent to cause officers or soldiers in the Myanmar Armed Forces to mutiny or otherwise disregard or fail in their duties
For livestreaming performances on Facebook, Zay Yar Lwin, Paing Phyo Min, Paing Ye Thu, Su Yadanar Myint and Nyein Chan Soe also face charges under Section 66 (d) of the Telecommunication Act for “online defamation”.
Members of the Peacock Generation are facing the same charges in five other townships in Yangon and Ayerwaddy Region where they have performed Thangyat and face a possible 19 years imprisonment. Below is their letter from jail:
When we heard of the charges, we went to the police station to allow them to detain us. We are also experienced with jails. First the military sued us in Mayangone and Botahtaung Townships, and later military in Pathein, Dedaye, Pyapon, Maupin townships from Ayeyarwaddy Regions also sued us under 505(a) and 66(d). When they sue us, it was not just one time. They sued us at different times and intentionally delayed the verdict process. Those court processes in Ayeyarwaddy Region have not yet begun. That means they want to lock up us for a long time. It’s already been 6 months and only one verdict is out. And only two courts hearings are done.
We believe its not fair as even before the court decided on our innocence, we were already in jail as criminals. Mentally it is hurting for those who are locked up in jail. We are trying to pass the days because we have strong beliefs, but it is difficult for others to be in jail.
They have convicted us with no strong evidence. This is not a fair case. Because it is a case against the military, whatever we do, we will definitely be sentenced. Because in my country, nobody is treated fairly and equally by the law when the case is against military. We believe we didn’t commit a crime by performing Thangyat. This is the case of criticizing and resisting an oppressive institution – the military. We will never be silenced just because they jailed us or sentenced us this way.
We will keep criticizing and pointing out the flawed system in different ways because it is important for us to amend the constitution and to get the military out of politics so that we can pursue genuine democracy in Myanmar.
Thankfully we have people supporting us mentally and physically. They are all our colleagues, students, friends and families. Because of those support, we can stand these days. Lawyers support us legally.
When we talk about freedom of expression, there very little space and we still have to work a lot to have that freedom. We understand that our rights shouldn’t harm others. We admit we strongly criticized the military, but why we were criticizing them strongly was because military leaders and their institution have obtained power unfairly and are harming our own people. Freedom of expression in Myanmar is like a tortoise trying to get carried by a flying stick held by two crows on both ends. We can talk about freedom of expression, but if we really express ourselves, we can get jailed. That’s the current situation.
To all the international organizations and institutions that want to help “democracy” in Myanmar, do whatever you can to help us please. The important thing is to influence the military. Only by influencing them, we can help them move in the right direction or else, things will get worse in future. Please speak up more for the situation in Myanmar.
Instead of asking you to specifically to help our case, we want to ask if you help democracy and politics in Myanmar, and when it is improved, we will be part of the journey too. There are many others who are currently jailed in Myanmar. Thank you for your support and solidarity near and far and for helping change our country.
Zeyar Lwin and Paing Ye Thu members of the Peacock Generation in Myanmar
Translated by Thinzar Shunlei Yi a Youth Advocate and Activist from Myanmar
CIVICUS
In Myanmar, Courts Increasingly Used to Silence Criticism of Military and Govt
/in NewsBy SAN YAMIN AUNG 1 November 2019
YANGON—Activists, human rights defenders, journalists and ordinary citizens face a growing threat of imprisonment for voicing opinions critical of the Myanmar army and government.
Laws that criminalize various types of expression have been used to put several critics of the government and military—especially those who challenge the military-drafted 2008 Constitution and the military’s role in politics—behind bars in recent months.
In the most recent case, five members of the Peacock Generation Thangyat troupe sued by the military were sentenced to one year in prison with labor on Wednesday over satirical performances they staged criticizing the political role granted to the military by the undemocratic 2008 charter, leading to their arrests in April. Thangyat is a popular traditional Myanmar performance art that often involves political satire.
The troupe’s members face additional charges filed by the military in a number of different townships outside of Yangon where they staged performances.
By SAN YAMIN AUNG 1 November 2019
YANGON—Activists, human rights defenders, journalists and ordinary citizens face a growing threat of imprisonment for voicing opinions critical of the Myanmar army and government.
Laws that criminalize various types of expression have been used to put several critics of the government and military—especially those who challenge the military-drafted 2008 Constitution and the military’s role in politics—behind bars in recent months.
In the most recent case, five members of the Peacock Generation Thangyat troupe sued by the military were sentenced to one year in prison with labor on Wednesday over satirical performances they staged criticizing the political role granted to the military by the undemocratic 2008 charter, leading to their arrests in April. Thangyat is a popular traditional Myanmar performance art that often involves political satire.
The troupe’s members face additional charges filed by the military in a number of different townships outside of Yangon where they staged performances.
The military plaintiff in the case, Lieutenant Colonel Than Htun Myint, told the media on Wednesday that people should not be allowed to hide behind the banner of “human rights” while criticizing members of the military, who he said are fighting on the front lines and sacrificing their lives for the country.
”We applied directly to the court in this case, as we wanted justice. We accept the legal judgment,” he added.
Since April, at least a dozen people have been targeted by lawsuits filed by the military; some have already been sentenced to prison.
Among them are prominent filmmaker and human rights activist Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi and ex-army Captain U Nay Myo Zin. Both were sentenced to one year’s imprisonment under Article 505(a) of the Penal Code—the same charge used to jail the Peacock Thangyat troupe— for criticizing the undemocratic Constitution, the military leadership and its involvement in politics.
The non-bailable offense carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment for anyone convicted of making, publishing or circulating statements, rumors or reports intended to cause military officers to mutiny, or to fail in or disregard their duties.
Other targets include two local monks in Mandalay, a writer who gave a speech at a public rally in Tanintharyi Region in support of constitutional amendment, a farmer from Tanintharyi Region who questioned land confiscation by the military and the editor of The Irrawaddy’s Burmese-language edition.
On Thursday, a court in Kawthaung Township of Tanintharyi Region also accepted cases filed by the military against U Nay Myo Zin, lawyer U Kyee Myint and poet Saw Wai under Article 505(a). The trio were sued over speeches they made in April at a public rally in the township criticizing the Constitution.
Maung Saungkha of the freedom of expression advocacy group Athan said the group had seen a surge in the number of lawsuits brought by the military against critics since April.
He believed the increasing number of lawsuits stemmed from political pressure arising from the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD)’s attempts to amend the Constitution in Parliament.
Speaking to The Irrawaddy in July, military spokesperson Brigadier-General Zaw Min Tun denied the increase in the number of cases was politically motivated. Rather, he said it simply reflected an increase in the number of people defaming the military.
“We wouldn’t have a reason to sue if they weren’t insulting the military. As an institution, the military has a right to defend its dignity. If someone harms it, we need to take action against them,” he said.
Maung Saungkha added that while the military has long been known as intolerant of criticism, the democratic government is not far behind it in terms of willingness to sue critics.
He said lawmakers and government officials are also using defamation and other laws that criminalize expression to stifle criticism of the state, state leaders or individuals.
According to a report by Athan, between late 2013 and June 2019 officials filed 27 defamation cases against perceived critics under the Telecommunications Law, while the military filed 16.
Maung Saungkha said government officials have also filed defamation and incitement charges under the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens, and Articles 500, 505 and 124(a) of the Penal Code.
In June this year, six Karenni youths who were in a dispute with the Kayah State government regarding the installation of a controversial statue of General Aung San in Loikaw were arrested after being sued by the state government under the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens. They are currently on trial.
“It has become a very dangerous situation for all activists, politicians and human rights defenders. We face arrest at any time for our stands and our comments,” Maung Saungkha said.
Ko Bo Kyi, secretary of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), said the recent series of arrests is having a chilling effect on would-be critics of the government and military.
“They are spreading fear with the intention of silencing their critics,” a former political prisoner said.
If it truly respects democracy and human rights, the government should use its majority in Parliament to review, amend or repeal those laws and legal provisions that criminalize criticism of the authorities, he added.
Irrawaddy News
AA Claims Ignorance After Brutal Murder Video Goes Viral
/in NewsThe Arakan Army will investigate the source of a viral Facebook video showing the brutal murder of a civilian, a spokesperson for the group said Wednesday.
The Tatmadaw, meanwhile, accused the AA of committing, filming and sharing the murder to terrorize and control local populations.
“We have never made propaganda,” Tatmadaw spokesperson Col Win Zaw Oo told Myanmar Now on Thursday.
Facebook users Sit Tan Aung and Sit Nyein Aung are believed to have been the first to post the video.
Myanmar Now cannot confirm the time, place, location or identities of those involved at this time.
The one-minute video begins with a man, wrists clasped behind him, being ruthlessly beaten with a stick at the edge of a grave by three men.
Before the first blow strikes the men prod the victim for his last words. “I want my soul to return to my mum and brother. May the Arakan Army find peace,” the man says.
He then falls limp into the grave, as one of the three continues to beat his body and head, striking more than 16 times before the video ends.
“It must be asked why Facebook did not censor this video,” AA spokesperson Khine Thuka said. He added that he found it suspicious that the video surfaced at the same time David Stilwell, the US assistant secretary for East Asia and the Pacific, was visiting Myanmar.
On September 10 photos of two men decapitated and on display in a street in Myaebon Township, Rakhine State, appeared on Facebook. The same day a man was decapitated in Ann Township.
“This is awful. It’s inhumane,” Myo San Aung, a resident of Rakhine State, told Myanmar Now. “No race or organisation should ever do this.”
Myanmar Now
Seeking Justice in Burma October 2019 Summary Report
/in Justice NewslettersSeeking Justice in Burma
October 2019
Summary Report
A worrying trend of disregard for human rights continued in October with civilian casualties mounting; predominantly in Rakhine State where tensions between the Burma Army and Arakan Army remain tense. Read more