Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1 MAY 2018
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
Accessed May 2018 © Reuters
MAY CHRONOLOGY 2018 Summary of the
Current Situation: 262 individuals are oppressed in Burma due to political activity:
36 political prisoners are serving sentences,
57 are awaiting trial inside prison,
169 are awaiting trial outside prison.
Anti-war protestor detained in Rangoon
2 MAY 2018
ACRONYMS AA Arakan Army
ABSFU All Burma Federation of Student
CSO Civil Society Organization DPNS Democratic Party for a New Society EAO Ethnic Armed Organization
KIA Kachin Independence Army
IDP Internally Displaced Person
JMC Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee
MEC Myanmar Economic Corporation MNHRC Myanmar National Human Rights Commission
NCA Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement
NLD National League for Democracy ONGC Oil and Natural Gas Corporation PAPPA Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Act
SEZ Special Economic Zone USDP Union Solidarity and Development Party UWSA United Wa State Army
3 MAY 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
POLITICAL PRISONERS .................................................................. 4 ARRESTS ............................................................................................................................................ 4
CHARGES ............................................................................................................................................ 4
TRIALS ................................................................................................................................................ 6
SENTENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 7
CONDITIONS OF IMPRISONMENT .......................................................................................... 8
RELEASES .......................................................................................................................................... 8
FORMER POLITICAL PRISONERS ......................................................................................... 11
RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS .............11 LAND RIGHTS................................................................................................................................ 13
INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS .........................................................19
REFERENCES ...................................................................................21
4 MAY 2018
POLITICAL PRISONERS ARRESTS
50 Jade Miners Detained in Kachin State Following Wage Protest
On 15 May, a police officer in the Lone Khin jade mining region of Kachin State reported that 50 miners were detained on Tuesday after a dispute over unpaid wages with their employer, Yadana Shwe Eaik, turned violent the night before.
More than 100 mine workers gathered on the afternoon of 14 May at the company’s offices to demand their wages. The workers had not received their salaries, and the arguments turned into a protest in the evening. The police were there negotiating between the workers and the company. Some of Yadana’s heavy machinery was destroyed, and a building was set on fire. Protesters were dispersed by the police, who fired warning rounds into the air.
50 mine workers were subsequently detained on the same day and will be sued on several counts, including vandalism, arson, theft, unlawful gathering and insulting police. Three civilians received minor injuries during the violence and reports emerged that one man had been killed.
CHARGES
Myitkyina, Kachin State: Charges Brought Against 3 Antiwar Activists
On April 30, between 3,000 and 5,000 Kachin locals demonstrated in Sitapu Ward in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, against ongoing clashes between the Military and the KIA. On May 3, roughly 300 others renewed the demonstration and staged a sit-in camp until 6 May, calling
for the rescue of over 2,700 people trapped by the fighting, as well as an end to the Military offensive.
On 9 May, two of the protest leaders, Lum Zawng and Sut Seng Htoi, were fined 30,000 Kyats (US $22.20) each by Myitkyina Township Court for breaching Article 19 of PAPPA. Their charges relate to both the mass rally and the sit-in protest in the town’s Manau grounds. The two were charged by Police Colonel Than Oo, who also served as prosecutor in the case. According to the officer, they confessed to having violated the law by failing to ask for permission to stage the protest.
On 16 May, the Northern Command of the Military also sued Lum Zaung along with two other protest leaders, Zau Jat and Nang Pu, for defamation under Section 500 of the Penal Code. Although only one case was opened to include all three leaders, each of them were charged individually in different locations. The defamation charge allows bail, which was granted to Zau Jat and Lum Zaung on May 16, and carries a maximum two year imprisonment as well as a fine. They appeared in court on May 21, when Nang Pu applied for bail.
Zau Jat argued that they should only have been sued under Article 19 of PAPPA, due to the fact that they did not defame the Military. Defence lawyer, Mung Seng Tu, has requested the case’s annulment due to anomalies in the case, including the fact that the accusations from different locations are combined into one case. The Township court will hear the case again on June 4.
5 MAY 2018
Rangoon: 9 Protest Organizers Arrested/Released on Bail, Total of 18 Charged under PAPPA
18 protest organizers in Rangoon have been charged after holding a protest of approximately 300 people on 12 May in Rangoon as a show of support for victims of fighting between the Military and the KIA in Kachin State. The protesters had been denied permission by authorities to march from a major junction in Tamwe Township to downtown Rangoon. On the evening of May 12, the activists instead negotiated with police to hold a sit-down protest at the junction for less than half an hour. As the protesters were dispersing, police officers and people in plain clothes stormed into the crowd, beating protesters and arresting others. A total of nine activists were detained. Police released them on bail the next day. The names of those detained are as follows: Zayyar Lwin, Tin Htut Paing, Thein Min Soe a.k.a Phoe Soe, Myat Kyaw, Htar Htar Nwe, Oak Soe Paing, Ye Htut Lwin, Khin San Dar, and Pyae Phyo Naing.
One of those mentioned above, Khin San Dar, belongs to the Kaman ethnic minority in Arakan State, and is one of Burma’s most well-known peace and interfaith activists. “Five of [the police officers] grabbed my arm and threw me into the truck even though I told them I would come along. I can’t move my arm up, and I’m still in pain”, she said after her release.
18 activists, including the nine who were detained, were then charged with allegedly violating Section 20 of PAPPA, which covers disturbing the peace and holding a protest without permission. It carries a maximum penalty of one month in jail and a fine of 10,000 kyats (US $7.49). The names of those charged, but who were not
detained on May 12, are as follows: Thet Swe Win, Moe Thway, Paing Ye Thu, Maung Saung Kha, Htet Khaing Soe, Shar Yamon, Ei Ei Moe, Thinzar Shoon Let Yee, and Lin Htet Naing a.k.a James.
One of the activists who was detained on May 12, Zayyar Lwin, is now facing additional charges after he criticised police at a poem-reading event in Rangoon on May 14. After the poem recital, Zayya Lwin said officers told him they would charge him under Section 19 of PAPPA, which could see him sentenced to an additional three months in jail. Two others, Khand Min Htet, the poetry reading ceremony organizer, and poet Shwe Kyel Moe a.k.a Ye Wind Aung, were also charged under Section 19 of PAPPA. They both appeared in Kyauk Tada Township Court on May 21.
They refused to provide a reason for the charge, and asked Zayyar Lwin to accompany them to the police station. He refused, telling them to send an official letter laying out the charges. Zayyar Lwin was imprisoned for more than nine months in 2015 for protesting against the Military’s participation in Parliament.
On 31 May, eight of the 18 anti-war protesters submitted a letter addressed to top Government officials, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, demanding that action be taken against the violent police officers who arrested them during the protest and raising concerns over freedom of speech.
Rangoon: 4 Anti-War Protesters Charged under PAPPA
On 7 May, police officer Myo Thet from the Kyauktada Township Police Station in Rangoon filed a complaint against Kaung Htet Kyaw, Zayya, Ye Aung Aye, and Myo Saw, who are members of ABSFU and DPNS, for organizing an anti-war protest in
6 MAY 2018
Rangoon without official approval.
Pyay: Two Activists Charged under PAPPA for Protest March
On May 6, two people began marching from Pyay Township, Bago region to Myitkyina, Kachin State. They were arrested by police when they reached Aunglan Township, Magwe region during the march. Authorities sent them back to Pyay and Pyay police force charged them for allegedly violating Article 19 of PAPPA. They were later released on bail.
Students Charged for Protesting that Case against Anti-War Activists be Dropped for On May 31, eight students were arrested by Police in Pyay for demanding that the case against anti-war protesters, who were charged after marching for peace in Kachin State, be dropped. Protest leaders, Yan Paing and Myitta Oo, said that police station filed a lawsuit against Htet and Sit Myat Min under Section 19 of PAPPA. The other protesters were not be charged. Students from Nattalin Charged for Staging Anti-War Protest March On May 15, Nattalin Police Force arrested 13 students from Basic Education Students Unions along with a freelance reporter from the Voice newspaper In Nattalin Town, Bago Division for staging an anti-war protest calling for peace for civilians trapped in the conflict in Kachin State. After two hours of investigation, Ye Wai Yan, Paing Nyein Wai and Saung Oo Thwin were charged under Section 19 of PAPPA and granted bail. The other ten students and the reporter were released. On May 21, Ye Wai Yan, Paing Nyein Wai, and Saung Oo Thwin appeared before Nattalin Township Court.
Three Protest Leaders Charged
On May 19, over 500 Karen people from Bilin Township, Mon State, protested in front of the NLD party headquarters in Rangoon to demand compensation for over 1,300 acres of farmland which had been confiscated in 1984 and 1985. Three protest leaders, Naw Aye Aye Kyaing, Tin Lone and Soe Moe, were arrested by Bahan Township Police. The police charged them under Section 20 of PAPPA.
Lawsuit Filed Against 4 Protesters Under PAPPA On May 8, police in Ann Township, Arakan State, filed a lawsuit against four protest leaders, Wunna Saw, Tin Hlaing, Myo Lwin and Shwe Tun, for protesting against MOGE and CNPC on April 25. Residents are demanding compensation for lands and crops damaged by the companies (see LAND RIGHTS section for further details). Four protest leaders were later released on bail.
TRIAL
Updates in Reuters Reporters Trial
On 2 May, a Rangoon court rejected a request to declare Moe Yan Naing, a police captain sentenced to one year in jail last month for for violating police discipline, as a hostile witness.
Moe Yan Naing also gave more details this month concerning an elaborate police plan put in place to arrest Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo.
Moe Yan Naing said his imprisonment is a warning to other police officers who strive for truth and justice. He also told the judge that the allegedly “secret” documents that Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were arrested for holding were in fact easily accessible to officers in the No. 8 Police Security
7 MAY 2018
Battalion’s received letters file or on its computer.
Moe Yan Naing also claimed that said on 12 December 2017, hours before the reporters were arrested, he was among six officers who had previously been contacted by Ko Wa Lone interrogated by the Police Special Branch. The internal investigation was led Police Brigadier General Tin Ko Ko. When Tin Ko Ko found out that one of the six, Lance Corporal Naing Lin, had been in contact with Wa Lone but had not met him in person, he ordered Naing Lin to use his phone to arrange a meeting with Wa Lone that evening. Moe Yan Naing stated that Tin Ko Ko then instructed Police Lance Corporal Naing Lin to give Wa Lone documents related to their frontline activities in order to have him arrested.
During cross-examination, defense lawyer Than Zaw Aung said phone records show Naing Lin calling Wa Lone three times in the afternoon and the evening of 12 December, the day the pair were arrested. Naing Lin said several times he did not call Wa Lone, and insisted it was the reporter who called and initiated the meeting. Although he agreed that he had met with the reporters, he also denied giving the reporters secret documents to incriminate them.
At the end of the 16 May hearing, Police Captain Myo Lwin, the officer in charge of escorting witnesses in custody to court, said Sergeant Khin Maung Lin, who was due to testify next week, had been fired from the police and his whereabouts were unknown. He did not elaborate further. Both Moe Yan Naing and Naing Lin said Khin Maung Lin was among the six policemen who had had contact with Wa Lone before the arrest.
After two days of legal argument, on 22 May in Rangoon, Judge Ye Lwin accepted as evidence printed copies of documents that
a police witness said were found on Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo’s mobile phones. They included alleged confidential Government letters and plans for the development of an island off Burma’s west coast for tourism. The prosecution did not explain how the 21 documents related to the case.
It later emerged that police officers had searched the phones without a search warrant. It is also unclear who has had access to the phones since the reporters’ arrest, raising concerns as to whether Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo had read the documents or not.
All remaining witnesses for the prosecution are police officers.
Myanmar Now Chief Editor Loses Bid to Have Evidence Thrown Out
On 4 May, Mandalay District Court on Friday rejected an appeal by Swe Win, the chief editor of Myanmar Now, to rule evidence submitted by the plaintiff in a lower court as unreliable. The defense complained that the evidence, a video clip of an interview between RFA and Swe Win in which he allegedly insulted monk Wirathu, was edited prejudiciously to support the lawsuit and that it should be declared as untrustworthy evidence. The district court rejected the appeal. The evidence will be accepted and the trial allowed to proceed at Maha Aung Myat township court.
Meanwhile, Swe Win’s lawyers have also submitted a complaint to the Maha Aung Myay Township Court to take legal action against Kyaw Myo Shwe for submitting unreliable evidence. The Court will issue a decision on whether action should be taken on 11 May.
8 MAY 2018
Swe Win was arrested and released on bail in July 2017. He was sued under Article 66 (d) of the Telecommunications Law by in March 2018.
Plea Rejected by Arakan Township High Court On May 31, the Arakan Township High Court rejected Aye Maung’s plea to have his case dropped. Aye Maung was sued under Section 122 of the Punishment of High Treason, as well as Sections 505 (b) and (c) of the Penal Code for public incitement, and Section 17 (1) of the Unlawful Associations Act. Aye Maung and Wai Hin Aung hd been arrested for giving a speech in the township in January 2018 to mark the anniversary of the fall of the Mrauk U Kingdom in 1784. His lawyer had applied for the charges to be dropped on May 18. The Court had held one hearing between the prosecution and the defence on May 3.
After more than one month of applying for a medical check, Aye Maung was finally seen at Sittwe Hospital on May 28.
Court Accepts Tanintharyi Journal’s Request to Drop Case On May 21, a request submitted by the lawyer for Tanintharyi Weekly Journal’s Editor, Han Htet, to drop the case has been accepted. Han Htet a.k.a Myo Aung was sued under Section 25 (f) of the News Media Law for a satirical article published in Tanintharyi Journal on November 21. On November 23, the Chief Minister of Tanintharyi Region, Lae Lae Maw, went to Dawei Township Court to take action against Han Htet for the reason that allegedly insulted affected her and her family's dignity. Zaw Win Requests Change of Trial Date due to Ill Health
On May 17, lawyer Zaw Win, who is being detained in Obo prison, appeared in Meiktila Court. He is facing charges for throwing shoes at Madaya Township Judge, Win Win Htein. Zaw Win requested that the trial date be postponed due to to his ill health. Therefore, he will now appear before the court on May 31.
SENTENCES
Mandalay: Protesters Arrested, Charged, and Others Sentenced Following Anti-War Protests
In Mandalay, the No. 8 police station in Chanayethazan Township filed a lawsuit against three activists under Article 19 of PAPPA following a motorbike protest held on 6 May.
On May 11, Than Htike and Thet Hnin Aung were also arrested in Mandalay for allegedly violating Article 19 of PAPPA by participating in a separate candlelit protest which called for an end to clashes in Kachin State and assistance for villagers trapped by the fighting. Reporters saw police in plain clothes arrest the two men in a shopping area while they were handing out surveys to find out how locals felt about the fighting and the overall peace process. On 14 May, a court in Aung Myay Thar Zan Township gave police permission to hold them in prison and scheduled a hearing for the following week. They are awaiting sentencing.
Three more activists were arrested for participating in a protest of more than 40 people on May 6 in Mandalay which called for the Government to immediately rescue villagers in Kachin State. Police Officer Thein Naing from the No. 8 police station in Chan Aye Tharzan Township, Mandalay arrested and charged Aung Hmine San, Soe Moe, and Poet Kalint for allegedly violating
9 MAY 2018
Section 19 of PAPPA. On May 10, the Chan Aye Tharzan Township Court sentenced Poet Kalint on May 10 to two months in Obo prison.
Aung Hmine San and Soe Moe’s trials continued. Although article 19 is a bailable offense, the two men refused to post bail and decided to face trial while in detention in Obo prison. They appeared in court on May 9 and May 18. On 22 May, the same court sentenced both to two months’ imprisonment.
Activist Jailed for Streaming Anti-Conflict Drama on Facebook
On 7 May, a local court in Pathein sentenced a human rights activist to three months in prison for broadcasting live on Facebook a drama deemed to be critical of the Military. The Military’s Southwestern Command sued nine students for defamation in January 2017 after they staged a performance at the Pathein Hotel in Pathein, Irrawaddy Region, depicting Military clashes with EAOs. The performance was staged amid peace discussions. Htun Htun Oo, the leader of a Pathein-based CSO, called the Human Rights Activists Association, was also sued by the Command under Article 66 (d) of the Telecommunications Law for broadcasting the drama live on Facebook.
In April 2018, Pathein Township Court fined eight of nine students who staged the drama. Two students were fined 50,000 kyats each, and six others were fined 30,000 kyats each. Pathein Township Court issued an arrest warrant for the ninth student, Myo Ko Ko, after he failed to appear in court.
The students had performed a satirical comedy play that includes a segment in which a soldier’s wife claims to support
war because wives can have affairs while their husbands are away fighting. The Military was not amused and filed the lawsuit in response.
Court Convicts Farmers of Trespass
On May 7, a court found 33 farmers living next to a Special Economic Zone guilty of criminal trespass. They all received a fine of 500 Kyats (US $0.37).
The Government seized the farmers’ land, located adjacent to the Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ), in 1996. Farmers argued that the seizure was illegal because it did not follow the 1894 Land Acquisition Act. They had continued to farm the land and pay taxes on it as the Government did not do anything with it. Ownership of the land was transferred to the Military-controlled Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC). In 2014 MEC decided to prosecute the farmers for trespass in Kyauktan Township Court.
The Government allegedly attempted to frighten the farmers into accepting inadequate compensation by telling them they would be evicted anyway and receive nothing if they did not accept the proposed compensation.
Three People Sentenced to Two Years for Bomb Explosion On May 17, Members of the Arakan ethnic minority, Yin Mg, Naing Naing and Aung Aung, were all sentenced under Section 17 (1) of the Unlawful Associations Act for having associations with the AA. They were fined 5,000 kyats (US $3.69) in Ponnagyun Township, Arakan State. They had been arrested for a bomb explosion on the road near Yoetayoke Village, and were sued by Military Arrair Security (MAS). Naing Naing and Aung Aung were also sued under Section 6 of the Explosions Act in Sittwe Court.
10 MAY 2018
Consequently, they will continue facing trial in Sittwe Court.
CONDITIONS OF IMPRISONMENT
Dawei Prison Overcrowded An inquiry into human rights violations in Dawei prison, Township Hospital and Court Jail in Tanintharyi Division was carried out by MNHRC between May 8 and May 10. Led by Yu Lwin Aung, the team discovered that Dawei Prison is only built to hold 500 prisoners, but it is currently over capacity by approximately 200 prisoners. Furthermore, prisoners do not have enough space to sleep and cannot take proper showers.
RELEASES
Three Suspects Released Without Trial for Alleged Ties with AA
Kyaw Myint, Maung Win Hlaing, and Aye Kyaw Tun, three residents of Tain Nyo Village in Mrauk U Township, have been released by Mrauk U Township Court. They had been charged under Section 17 (1) (2) of the Unlawful Associations Act for alleged ties with the AA following the assassination of the former Mrauk U Township Administrator Bo Bo Min Thaik in Arakan State.
The three men were detained in jail for nearly four months, and were discharged because they were found to have had no ties with the AA.
FORMER POLITICAL PRISONERS
Former Political Prisoner, Pe Aung, Has Died On May 5, the former political prisoner Pe Aung, who was sentenced to prison on Coco Island two times for his political activity, has died at 84 years old. In 1934, he became involved in the student protests after the war. He worked as a student cadres in ABFSU , and also took the position of Underground Student Group Leader. In addition, he became a leader of the Underground Burma Communist Party. Pe Aung was sent to Coco Island in 1959 and again in 1969. He was involved in two hunger strikes; one which lasted 40 days and another, carried out for the abolition of Coco island, which lasted 53 days. After his release, Pe Aung continued fighting for democracy and against the dictatorship.
11 MAY 2018
RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS
Suspicions that Police Employed Thugs to Break up Anti-War Protest
The chief of Burma’s Police Force has denied using civilian thugs to arrest anti-war demonstrators in Rangoon’s Tamwe Township on 12 May. In response to questioning from reporters, Police Major-General Aung Win Oo replied; “I’d say we didn’t use civilians in that case.” He then went on to cite Section 128 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which states that if participants in an unlawful assembly do not obey a police order to disperse, police can use force to disperse them, and may use the assistance of any unarmed male person who is not a police officer or soldier.
On 14 May, 391 CSOs issued a joint statement condemning the beating of anti-war protesters by the police and men in civilian clothing. It calls on the Government to identify and take action against those who illegally cracked down on the protesters. It also demanded the unconditional, immediate release of activists across the country who have been detained for anti-war activities.
On 17 May, peace activists who were detained in the 12 May protest vowed to sue the men in civilian dress who assaulted them, adding that the police did not attempt to intervene during the attacks.
Surveys Show Journalists Believe Government is Failing to Protect Press Freedom Journalists believe the Government is failing to defend media freedom despite the transition from Military rule to the elected NLD Government, according to a
Free Expression Myanmar survey published to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3. The activist group and its partner organisations interviewed 200 journalists between December 2017 and April 2018, finding that almost 50% believed that they had less freedom as journalists than a year earlier.
Also, a Scorecard compiled by PEN Myanmar and 18 partners noted a significant lack of progress in instituting key reforms to secure free expression, as well as backsliding in a number of critical areas. Both reports point to increased legal threats, imprisonment and physical harassment of journalists; restrictions on the ability to report from and receive information on conflict areas; and the lack of reform of media laws and institutions as key factors driving the decline.
Civilian Killed in Mon State after Military Captain Took Him for NRC Inspection Tin Soe Myint, a resident of Kalagoke Island in Ye Township, Mon State, was murdered by Military Captain Aung Ko Ko Min after he took him away for questioning about his NRC card on the evening of May 16. Tin Soe Myint was originally from Yedashe Township, Bago Division, and was working in the wood and bamboo industry on Kalagoke Island (Ah-Le-Seik). He had visited the home of Thein Htoo, the Head of 100 Households, with a friend. When Tin Soe Myint told Thein Htoo and Captain
12 MAY 2018
Aung Ko Ko Min that he had no NRC but would submit a recommendation letter the next day, Aung Ko Ko Min kicked and punched him before taking him to the Tat-Kone Military base and ordering his friend to go home. When Tin Soe Myint’s family went to submit the recommendation letter to the Tat-Kone Military base the next day, they discovered his body in the office. Tin Soe Myint had gunshot wounds on his chest and thigh, four injuries on his chest and an injury on his thigh, a broken forearm, and a broken nose. Tin Soe Myint’s wife, Khin Swe Tint, filed a homicide case at Lamaing Police Station under Section 302 of the Penal Code on May 18.
The case follows those of two residents from Ma-Gyi-Chaung-Wa Village who were also killed in southern Ye Township back in March 2016. The perpetrator, Captain Zaw Myo Htet, claimed that he accidently shot them. He was later transferred for action to be taken under Military law.
Students Protest New Ban on Political Talks Student unions are protesting a directive issued by the Department of Higher Education on May 21 which bans events related to political issues on university campuses. Under the new directive, students must submit details including the seminar title, concept notes, biographies of speakers and panelists, and the guest list, place and date for all talks.
Responding to the directive, the Yangon University of Economics Student Union released a statement on May 29 arguing that the directive is an assault on freedom of expression, learning and academic pursuit. Students protesting claimed that student union activities will be negatively impacted, while the new rule will particularly affect
students who study political science, history, or international relations. Media Forbidden from Interviewing IDP in Injangyang Township
Kachin News Group (KNG), the Myitkyina Journal, the Kachin Times, Eleven, and the Democratic Voice of Burma were all forbidden from interviewing an IDP in Injanagyang Township, Kachin State after they had already received permission from the Government on May 19. After leaving for the interview, journalists were informed that the District Administrator, Kaung Hla Dee, from Naungnan village had forbidden them from doing the interview. They were not informed why they were forbidden.
Resident Beaten by Military Soldiers On May 22, Khin Mg Than from Hlaing Guin Village, Rathedaung Township, Arakan State was beaten by two unknown soldiers. Two of his teeth were broken. One out of uniform soldier also hit Khin Mg Than without warning while he was walking to his village. His back was hurt as the other soldier kicked his mouth and back with his boot. Khin Mg Than reported the incident at the Kyauktan Police Station. Officers said they will file a lawsuit against the soldiers. Khin Mg Than is currently receiving treatment in Sittwe Hospital. Farmers Shot by Militia On May 14, Mong Tai Army(MTA), Major Kham Aung and the group beated, shooted and threatened with guns to farmers who are ploughing in land dispute in Namhu Village, Taung Naunt village tract, Loilem Township, Southern Shan State. No one died, but some villagers got hurt, Namhu resident Myint Aung said. MTA confiscated over 300 acres of land, near Namhu Village in 2011.
13 MAY 2018
On the contrary, land dispute occurs often and one villager had been arrested by authorities in 2014. Mawkmai Residents Beaten by Military, Resident’s Ear Cut Off On May 10, four male residents were beaten by the Military’s No. 430 Light Infantry while herding buffaloes in Ponsont Village, Dugyi village tract, Mawkmai Township, Shan State. They were accused of associating with an EAO. One , Khun Nyar, had his ear cut off by Military officers, while another’s skull was cracked. The two victims are currently in Mawkmai Township’s public hospital. Khun Nyar said that they were threatened by the Military, and so he does not dare to file a lawsuit or report the case to the JMC. MNHRC Report Exposes Torture of Juvenile Detainees On May 21, MNHRC reported that it has found that children detained with adult prisoners have been subject to torture. The Commission conducted interviews with 105 children facing trial on April 2, 3, and 30, and on May 9 and 15. 92 children said that who were tortured were detained alongside adults . 19 children also said that they were beaten and kicked by police officers on duty.
MNHRC urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that there is no torture in detention, while juvenile detainees must not be placed with adults. The Commission also urged the Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement to guarantee that children facing trial have unrestricted access to education during their time in detention. State Counsellor Office Receives 2,516 Complaints
Over the past two years, the State Counsellor Office has received 2,516 complaints regarding governmental affairs, multiple corruption cases concerning departmental officers, and injustice deed, according to a report issued by the State Counsellor’s Office. The majority of the complaints concern land, management, corruption, arbitrament and social issues. Two Sentenced in Mann Aung Airport Case Two residents were sentenced for refusing to take any compensation from the Government for the land taken to be used in the expansion of the Mann Aung Airport in Arakan State. By the end of May, local authorities had negotiated with their families, saying that they will release relatives if they accept the compensation.
The land and houses of 32 residents were taken for the Mann Aung Airport extension in March 2018. While 30 farmers took the compensation, two farmers were sued under Section 35 of the Land Management Law for rejecting the compensation for being too low. Both were sentenced to seven months imprisonment on May 21.
14 MAY 2018
LAND RIGHTS
Rangoon Chief Minister Meets Farmers after Violent Police Eviction
On May 14, Rangoon Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein met with four farmers, local lawmakers, and representatives of the township, district and region land management committees at his office in Ahlone Township to discuss a land dispute between farmers and the Military company Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited.
The meeting was arranged after police violently evicted farmers from land near the Thilawa Special Economic Zone in Kyauktan Township on May 12. During the eviction, the police opened fire on the crowd and shot two civilians, Moh Moh Lwin and Aung Naing Soe. They are currently in hospital. The police also arrested two farmers and a student after the eviction and charged them with abetting and voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from his duty. All three were released on bail on the evening of May 13.
Phyo Min Thein said that if the farmers needed to be compensated, it should be paid at the market rate. However, farmers were dissatisfied with his failure to address the police violence. They decided to hold a news conference on May 16 to submit an official letter to MNHRC and other Government agencies.
In 1996, Myanmar Port Authority forcibly acquired 80 acres of the disputed land from 14 farmers and paid them compensation of 20,000 Kyat (US $14.80) per acre. After the port authority decided not to develop the site, ten farmers began re-cultivating the land, and the
Government issued them with land-use certificates (La Na 39) in 2000.
Although details are unclear, in 2017 MEHL paid farmers compensation of 7 million Kyat (US $5,180) per acre. However, three refused the compensation, saying the price offered was too low. Prior to the eviction, there were nearly 40 households living on the site, including nine of the farmers who received the land-use certificates in 2000. The farmers argue that they rightfully live on the land and have the required documents.
Developer Accused of Land-Grabbing Defies Government Order to Halt Project
Htarwara Aung Myay, a public company led by the influential businessman U Kyauk Taung, is proceeding with a major construction project in southern Arakan State in defiance of an order issued by the Government to halt the work.
The company is developing a new town on 450 acres of mangrove forest, farmland, unused land and pastureland in Taungup Township. The developer intends to build housing, a park, a football stadium, a market and and a wedding complex on the site, and has completed about 30% of the construction work. Development continues despite the Government ordering it to halt the project. Moreover, the company has already built brick housing units on Taungup’s outskirts on land for which it does not have land permits.
Htarwara Aung Myay claims that it bought about 179 acres from farmers for just 2.5 million kyats per acre. However, township
15 MAY 2018
authorities and the Government’s land scrutinization body discovered that Htarwara Aung Myay had confiscated approximately 130 acres without compensating the farmers. Generally, farmers in Rakhine do not apply for separate ownership documents for such land from the government, as it was recognized as customary land by the community. Moreover, the company was only approved to fill mangrove forest land; other lands are still awaiting La Na (39) forms. These are official land-use permits approving use for other purposes. In addition, the committee had found that the actual amount of land being used by the developer did not match the company’s initial proposal. It has recommended that the site’s dimensions be reassessed.
Farmers Wage ‘Harrow Battle’ on Confiscated Land in Mandalay Region Local farmers from Lay Se Kone and Suu Lay Kone villages in Kyaukse Township in Mandalay Region are protesting a Government order to evict them from their land. Approximately 200 land plots tilled by 25 villagers were confiscated by the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Government Department. The Regional Government said the land confiscated was not owned by the farmers, but the farmers argue that it is theirs. The farmers have been growing seasonal crops on the seized farmlands for many years, and possess land and water tax receipts as they pay tax to the Government. They stated that the Department did not issue a land confiscation order and did not provide any compensation for the seizure. After the farmland was seized, they sent a letter to the Government seeking permission to work on the site, but it went unanswered. Farmers therefore decided to stage a
‘Harrow Battle’, meaning they will continue to work and plant on the site despite the ban in a show of defiance against the order. They have also called on the Government to look into the case. Concerns over MOGE Oil Exploration in Sagaing
Local residents are concerned about oil exploration being carried out by MOGE in Tamu district, Sagaing Region under the Ministry of Electricity and Energy and Indian-owned ONGC. The exploration is being conducted using seismic technology in residents’ farmlands and includes the use of dynamite. The company did not notify locals before it started drilling in their farmland and inserting dynamite. Farmers are now concerned their farmlands could be damaged. MOGE confirmed that oil exploration and seismic work is being conducted in Mahamyaing, Mawlaik, Panthar, Lawthar, Pinlebu, Paungbyin, Banmauk, Tamu and Homalin Townships, all in Sagaing Region.
Residents Demand that Quarry Company Leave after Extracting All Permitted Rock
Residents of Lun Nya Village have demanded that Chit Linn Myaing Toyota Company withdraw its quarrying project on Lun Nya Mountain in Hpa-an Township, Karen State now that the company has already extracted all the rock it has been permitted to take, despite the license still being valid.
The local residents made the demand to Chit Linn Myaing Company during the first meeting between the company’s officials and local residents at a monastery in Lun Nya Village on May 1. The villagers’ main demands are as follows; remove the
16 MAY 2018
asphalt plant, help local residents who have been affected by the project, and leave now that the project has been completed due to its threat to their health and livelihoods. Residents have refused to accept monetary compensation from the company. The Government granted the license to Chit Linn Myaing Toyota Company to produce crushed rock from Lun Nya Mountain to upgrade the highway between Kawkareik and Eindu with funding from the Asia Development Bank (ADB). However, the CRBC (China Road and Bridge Corporation) has been producing the crushed rocks from the quarries.
Militia Fires Shots to Threaten Farmers in Land Dispute
On May 14, Ma Kyaing People’s Militia from Nansang fired gunshots to threaten farmers during a farmland dispute in Loilen Township in southern Shan State. Local villagers and officials from Ma Kyaing People’s Militia got into a dispute after the villagers started clearing overgrown land between Seng Ngun and Nam Pun Villages in the Taung Nauk Village Group, Loilen Township in order to farm over 400 acres of land. The people’s militia allegedly shot at the village vice-chair and an 18-year-old man to threaten them during the dispute. They also kicked them over and punched them. The vice-chair became dizzy, but allegedly did not receive many injuries. Then, the Militia fired approximately ten bullets at the men. All missed. The residents of Seng Ngun Village said that the farmland belongs to 19 residents whose families have been planting paddies and sesame crops for generations, but the authorities told them it was a vacant and virgin land when they attempted to apply
for land-use certificates (Form 7s). Instead, the Government issued Form 7s to Ma Kyaing People’s Militia. However, Ma Kyaing People’s Militia’s Vice-Chair claimed that local residents have refused to meet to discuss this issue, and said that the Militia is planning to plant 100,000 shade trees on the vacant land for environmental conservation. Land Compensation Handed Out for Loikaw Train Station
On May 3, compensation was given to farmers for land confiscated to build the Loikaw Train Station. 43.24 acres of the total 44.859 acres that were seized for the station belonged to six farmers. Compensation rates were USD $3,700 for one acre of paddy land, and USD $2,960 for one acre of farmland.
Farmers Hold Press Conference on Confiscated Land On May 2, farmers held a press conference with a view to retrieving land seized by the Livestock Veterinary and Breeding Department in 1984. Despite the confiscation of 27.12 acres of land, the Department never implemented its project in Tainkone Ward in Pyi Gyi Tan Kon Township, Mandalay Region. The Department had initially claimed it would construct buildings in approximately five acres of land and carry out livestock activities. However,15 years later and the project is still yet to begin. The unused land was left as vacant land. Residents claimed that compensation and land substitutes were not available when the Department first confiscated the land. . They said that, alongside the conference, they will also report to local departments to get the land back.
Twante Farmers Reject Proposed Land Compensation
17 MAY 2018
Kyaw Zin Oo, MP for Twante Township in Rangoon Region, has said that farmers did not accept compensation for 800 acres of land on which the Rangoon Regional Government Group is planning to carry out a housing Public Life Promotion Project (Project X) on a total of 2,800 acres, of which 800 aces belong to the farmers. The Group had sent a proposal to Parliament outlining the project, which involves accommodating landless civilians in the Rangoon Region and building low cost and middle cost housing
According to Region MPs, Residents will receive land for their own use, Region MPs said. They are planning to implement the project this year.
Land Dispute in Manaung Township A Land dispute is happening in Tikekyunn village, Tikekyunn Tract, Manaung Township, Irrawaddy Division. First, a claimant named Than Chit showed a land ownership title and after that a name with Mg Tin Shwe on land ownership title was shown for the same land. The land has been passed down the generations in Than Chit’s family . They have been planting in that land for many years, but they moved to Manaung Town due to her husband’s health concerns three years ago. According to Than Chit, Mg Tin Shwe for applied land ownership title of Than Chit’s land, while Than Chit was living in Manaung Town, and he received the land title. She also said that she reported about it to Tikekyunn Administrator on December 13th, 2017. To date the case has not been solved.
Activists Demand Resolution of Land Dispute On May 24, political activists held a press conference about land problems in Burma at the Journalist Network Office in
Rangoon. Participants announced that they will protest if the Government does not solve land disputes in Kyaikto Township, Bilin Township, Thaton Township and Paung, all in Mon State. The Military confiscated a total of over 20,000 acres of land in Kyaikto Township, Bilin Township, Thaton Township and Paung Township during the Military dictatorship. None of the land has been returned and no compensations have been offered.
Process to Return Land To Residents in Magway Township has Begun on May 17, the process of returning 1,394 acres of confiscated land to residents in Melhlataung Village Tract and Magyikan Village Tract, Magway Township begun with the Military handing back 502 acres. No. 5013 Tank Corp , had confiscated the land back in 1996. The land returns were decided by field measurements. Land Dispute Continues Between Yuzana Company and Residents Land disputes continue between Yuzana Company and residents of Nawng Mi Village, Hukaung Valley Region. Over 100 acres of land belonging to ten farmers were dug up by the company in the second week of May, according to a resident. Consequently, villagers villagers have been trying to meet with the company, however, until now they have been ignored.
Farmers also said that land disputes on the Ledo road happen often, and they are worried that tensions will escalate if the Government does resolveland complaints promptly.
The Military dictatorship sold the residents’ land to the company, but no work was ever carried out on it. Residents
18 MAY 2018
have written letters to local Government as well as organizing numerous protests. In addition, some farmers are still facing trial due to the company suing them under Section of trespassing since 2017. Dictator Government.
Landowners Protest in Yann Bye (Ramree) Township On May 24, Landowners from Ohn Tapin Su Village organized a protest to demand that the Government return three acres of their ancestral lands in Yann Bye (Ramree) Township, Arakan State, which was taken by the former Military Dicatatorship. They were forced to move from the land in 1991. The lands were later sold to another who built houses on it.
Farmers Protest Against Land Allocation in Bogalay Township On May 27, approximately 60 farmers from Bokechaung, Padaekaw, and Konetanpauk villages in Satkyunn Tract protested against the allocation of farmland to civilians in Bogalay City, Bogalay Township, Irrawaddy Division. The protesters had been planting on 1,400 acres of land since 1968, but their land was confiscated for the construction of a forest reserve in 1996. The forest reserve plans were then scrapped in 2013. Protesters complained that other people are permitted to plant on the land while the original workers are not.
UWSA Confiscates Land in Poneperkyin Township No. 171 of the UWSA has confiscated over 60 acres of land from 23 farmers in Ponpergin Township, eastern Shan State. MPs and the Shan State Government have been negotiating the seizures, while 23 farmers are demanding compensation. Residents are in possession of land
authorization signatures and tax documents. Sugar-Cane Farmers Protest Land Confiscation On May 1, approximately 100 farmers from Kyauktaga Township, Bago Division, protested against farmland seizures carried out by the Ministry of Industry and private companies. Approximately 3,000 acres were illegally confiscated from farmers in 2001 in order to build the Rangoon-Mandalay Highway. Farmers stated that the reason for the protest was due to the failure of both the Ministry and the companies to offer compensation. The farmers reported the case to the relevant departments many times during the Thein Sein Presidency. They told the Ministry of industry and private companies to pay compensation for the land at one acre for $1,102.50, but the Ministry of Industry (1) and companies did not offer any compensation, so they held a protest on May 1st. The farmers announced that they will hold a ‘Harrow Battle’ if the protest does not work.
Compensation for Alluvial Land Paid in Amarapura Urban Development Project Case On May 15, the Mandalay Business Capacity City Development Committee provided the Village Group Administrator with US $920,776.38 in compensation for approximately 200 acres of land being used in the Amarapura Urban Development Project . The compensation will cover approximately 700 villagers in Shwe Kyat Yat. The Village Administrator Group announced that they will divide the compensation between farmers and will carry out rural development The Capital City Development Committee and the Mandalay Business Capacity City Development Committee are undertaking
19 MAY 2018
the Amarapura Urban Development Project as a joint venture near Shwe Kyat Yat Village and the Irrawaddy harbor in Amarapura Township. The first stage of the project began in October 2017.
Thandwe Residents Protest for Return of Confiscated Land On May 4, approximately 200 Thanswe residents protested for land which was confiscated by the Military to be returned. The Military confiscated 135 acres of pasture land in Andaw Village, Thandwe Township, Rakhine State. On April 27, 1994, Major Tint San and Major Khin Mg Than confiscated the land to plant rubber. In 2006, the land was sold to a private business for US $184,155.28 Protest leader San Aung, said that farmers are protesting to get the land back, the land is already theirs and has been passed down the generations for years. In 2016, residents presented letters Rakhine State Government approximately three times in attempts to recover the land , but their demands were ignored. San Aung assured that protests will continue if the land is not returned.
8 Households Forced to Move Eight households from Dawmya Ywarthint village in Kamaungtone group, Thandwe Township, Rakhine State, were forced to move out with only 20 days notice given to them by the Forestry Department. Villagers had been living in their houses for four years, and could not afford to move and build houses again. Moreover, according to villagers, the area where they are now restricted to building on is not fit for living in.
Over 120 Acres Returned to Residents in Thaton Township
Over 120 acres of land have been returned to residents in Thaton Township, Mon State. The land had originally been confiscated in, Thaton District according to the Land and Other Lands Recruiting Committee Chairman, District Administrator, Tay Zar Aung said. Ministry of Pa-O ethnic, San Wint Khaing, MPs, and responsible parties handed over the lands to residents on May 19 in Thaton Town. District Court Rejects Application to Amend Charges On May 21, Kyaukse District Court rejected an application submitted by farmers to amend charges brought under Section 447 of the Penal Code for territorial invasion, under which four residents have been sued. In 2016, four residents were sued under 506 and 477 of the Penal Code for alleged invasion on land which the company Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings confiscated in Soonyeinn field, Sintgain Township in Mandalay Region. Farmers had been ploughing the vacant lands in an effort to make ends meet after their livelihoods had been impacted following the seizure of their farmland. Further, in February 2018, a Sintgain Township judge charged the four residents under Section 477 of the Penal Code.
Farmers applied for the amendment to the charges at Kyaukse District Court, as they were not satisfied with the charges they had been given. Now that the Kyaukse District Court has rejected the application, they will take it to the High Court. High court lawyer, Naing Naing Tun who advocates on this case for free said that farmers are yet to did not receive any compensation for their lost farmlands and and crops.
20 MAY 2018
INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
Panglong Peace Conference Postponed for Fourth Time
The Government and the EAOs that signed the NCA have postponed the opening of the third round of the 21st Century Panglong Conference (also known as the Union Peace Conference) for the fourth time to mid-June. Government representatives, Military officials, and signatories of the NCA will meet on 26-28 May to set a new date for the Conference.
Reasons for the delay include the parties involved claiming that they want to ensure a better outcome from the event, as well as EAOs saying that they have to attend preparatory meetings this month.
Anti-Corruption Commission Receives over 2,000 Complaints in 4 Months Over four months, the Anti-Corruption Commission, which is led by the former Minister of Information, Aung Kyi, received over 2,000 complaints.The Anti-Corruption Committee also charged director general Than Htut, who is the first person arrested and sentenced by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Overall, the Commission received over 1,000 complaints concerning land management. According to its report, the
most common complaints are those made to the Ministry of Home Affairs, followed by corruption complaints. .
120 Young People Receive Vocational Education A Youth Centre in Mandalay will provide a vocational education course for 120 young people from May 15 to September. According to the Youth Centre’s list, there are over 300 adolescents, some 16 years old, who are facing trial and who need protection by law.
MNHRC Urges Ministry of Home Affairs To Close Quarrying Camps The Ministry of Home Affairs is still reviewing the proposal to close quarrying camps in labor camps, according to MNHRC Chairman, Win Mya, in his review of the Commission’s 2017 report at the Union of Parliament on May 28. Specifically, MNHRC has recommended that the Ministry closes Htone Bo Women’s Quarrying Camp in Mandalay Region and Moke Palin Women’s Quarry Camp in Mon State. The Commission also made the same recommendation at the Union of Parliament meeting on May 18, and it was reviews by Ministries on May 25. MNHRC explained the recommendation further to the Union of Parliament on May 28.
21 MAY 2018
REFERENCES CHARGES
• Myitkyina, Kachin State: Charges Brought Against 3 Antiwar Activists (3 May 2018 - Myanmar Times) (May 9, 2018 - Irrawaddy) (11 May, 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (11 May, 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (May 16, 2018 - Irrawaddy) (16 May, 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese) (May 17, 2018 - Mizzima) (17 May, 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (17 May, 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (21 May 2018 - RFA) (21 May, 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (21 May, 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (21 May, 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese) (21 May, 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (28 May, 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (28 May, 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (29 May, 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (29 May, 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (31 May 2018 - Myanmar Times)
• Rangoon: 9 Protest Organizers Arrested/Released on Bail, Total of 18 Charged under PAPPA (12 May 2018 - BBC/Burmese) (12 May 2018 - Eleven/Burmese) (12 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (12 May 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (12 May 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (12 May 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese) (12 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) (13 May 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese) (13 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (13 May 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (May 14, 2018 - Irrawaddy)
(14 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (14 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (14 May 2018 - Myanmar Times/Burmese) (14 May 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (14 May, 2018 - Reuters) (14 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (15 May, 2018 - Reuters) (15 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (15 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (15 May 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese) (18 May 2018 - Myanmar Times) (21 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (21 May 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese) (25 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (May 31, 2018 - DVB)
• Rangoon: 4 Anti-War Protesters Charged under PAPPA (7 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (8 May 2018 - Reliefweb) (8 May 2018 - Irrawaddy) (8 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (8 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (8 May 2018 - Myanmar Times/Burmese) (10 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) Pyay: Two Activists Charged under PAPPA for Protest March (8 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)
• Students Charged for Protesting that Case against Anti-War Activists be Dropped for (31 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (31 May 2018 - RFA)
• Students from Nattalin Charged for Staging Anti-War Protest March (16 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (16 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) (17 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (17 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (21 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese)
22 MAY 2018
(21 May 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (21 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
• Three Protest Leaders Charged (19 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (19 May 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (19 May 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese) (19 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) (19 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)
• Lawsuit Filed Against 4 Protesters Under PAPPA (8 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (1 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
ARRESTS • 50 Jade Miners Detained in Kachin
State Following Wage Protest
(May 14, 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (May 15, 2018 - Irrawaddy)
TRIAL • Updates in Reuters Reporters Trial
(May 2, 2018 - Irrawaddy) (2 May 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (2 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (2 May 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (2 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) (2 May 2018 -BBC /Burmese) (2 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (2 May 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese) (3 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily /Burmese) (4 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (4 May 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (5 May 2018 - Myanmar Times/Burmese) (6 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) (9 May 2018 - BBC/Burmese) (9 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) (9 May 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese)
(9 May 2018 - Eleven/Burmese) (9 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (9 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (9 May 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (9 May 2018 -Irrawaddy/Burmese) (May 10, 2018 - Irrawaddy) (11 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (16 May 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese) (16 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (16 May 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (May 17, 2018 - Irrawaddy) (17 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (17 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) (17 May 2018 - Myanmar Times/Burmese) (17 May 2018 - Eleven/Burmese) (May 18, 2018 - Mizzima) (21 May 2018 - Eleven/Burmese) (21 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (21 May 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (21 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) (21 May 2018 - BBC/Burmese) (22 May 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (22 May 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (22 May 2018 - Myanmar Times/Burmese) (May 23, 2018 - DVB) (23 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (23 May 2018 - BBC/Burmese) (23 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (23 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (28 May 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese) (28 May, 2018 - Reuters) (29 May 2018 - VOA/Burmese)
• Myanmar Now Chief Editor Loses Bid to Have Evidence Thrown Out (May 4, 2018 - Irrawaddy) (6 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (17 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (17 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese)
23 MAY 2018
• Plea Rejected by Arakan Township High Court (4 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (3 May 2018 - Eleven/Burmese) (16 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (28 May 2018 - Eleven/Burmese)
• Court Accepts Tanintharyi Journal’s Request to Drop Case (22 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)
• Zaw Win Requests Change of Trial Date due to Ill Health (18 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
SENTENCES • Mandalay: Protesters Arrested,
Charged, and Others Sentenced Following Anti-War Protests
(8 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese)
(8 May 2018 - VOA/Burmese)
(8 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese)
(8 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
(May 9, 2018 - Irrawaddy)
(May 9, 2018 - Irrawaddy)
(9 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese)
(9 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)
(10 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
(11 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
(11 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)
(12 May 2018 - Progressive Voice)
(May 14, 2018 - Irrawaddy)
(14 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese)
(14 May 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese)
(14 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
(May 22, 2018 - Irrawaddy)
(22 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese)
(22 May 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese)
(22 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)
(22 May 2018 - Eleven/Burmese)
(22 May 2018 - Myanmar Times/Burmese)
(25 May 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese)
• Activist Jailed for Streaming Anti-Conflict Drama on Facebook (May 8, 2018 - Irrawaddy) (8 May 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese)
• Court Convicts Farmers of Trespass (7 May 2018 - Eleven/Burmese) (May 8, 2018 - Irrawaddy) (8 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (May 12, 2018 - Mizzima)
• Two Sentenced in Mann Aung Airport Case (4 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)
• Three People Sentenced to Two Years for Bomb Explosion (17 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (18 May 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese)
CONDITIONS OF IMPRISONMENT
• MNHRC Urges Ministry of Home Affairs To Close Quarrying Camps (27 May 2018 - Eleven/Burmese) (28 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese)
24 MAY 2018
(31 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
• MNHRC Report Exposes Torture of Juvenile Detainees (22 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)
• Dawei Prison Overcrowded (11 May 2018- 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (13 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
RELEASES
• Three Suspects Released Without Trial for Alleged Ties with AA (15 May 2018 - BBC/Burmese)
(15 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese)
(16 May, 2018 - BNI)
(16 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese)
FORMER POLITICAL PRISONERS
• Former Political Prisoner, Pe Aung, Has Died (8 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)
RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS
• Suspicions that Police Employed Thugs to Break up Anti-War Protest (15 May 2018 - BBC/Burmese) (15 May 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese) (15 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) (15 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (May 16, 2018 - Irrawaddy) (16 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)
(16 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (16 May 2018 - Myanmar Times/Burmese) (18 May 2018 - Myanmar Times)
• Surveys Show Journalists Believe Government is Failing to Protect Press Freedom(3 May, 2018 - Mizzima) (4 May, 2018 - DVB) (2 May, 2018 - Irrawaddy)
• Civilian Killed in Mon State after Military Captain Took Him for NRC Inspection (24 May 2018 - BNI) (24 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (24 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (24 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
• Students Protest New Ban on Political Talks (30 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) (30 May 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (31 May, 2018 - Myanmar Times) (31 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (31 May 2018 - BBC/Burmese) (31 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese)
• Media Forbidden from Interviewing IDP in Injangyang Township (20 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (19 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (19 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese)
• Resident Beaten by Military Soldiers (29 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese)
• Farmers Shot by Militia (15 May 2018 - BBC/Burmese)
• Mawkmai Residents Beaten by Military, Resident’s Ear Cut Off (18 May 2018 - BBC/Burmese) (18 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese)
LAND RIGHTS • Rangoon Chief Minister Meets
Farmers after Violent Police Eviction (May 15, 2018 - Frontier Myanmar) (May 15, 2018 - Myanmar Times)
25 MAY 2018
• Developer Accused of Land-Grabbing Defies Government Order to Halt Project (May 15, 2018 - Irrawaddy)
• Farmers Wage ‘Harrow Battle’ on Confiscated Land in Mandalay Region (14 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (May 16, 2018 - Myanmar Times)
• Concerns over MOGE Oil Exploration in Sagaing (May 22, 2018 - Mizzima)
• Residents Demand that Quarry Company Leave after Extracting All Permitted Rock (May 4, 2018 - BNI)
• Militia Fires Shots to Threaten Farmers in Land Dispute (17 May 2018 - BNI)
• Land Compensation Handed Out for Loikaw Train Station (4 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese)
• Farmers Hold Press Conference on Confiscated Land (2 May 2018 - Eleven/Burmese)
• Twante Farmers Reject Proposed Land Compensation
(17 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) • Land Dispute in Manaung
Township (18 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese)
• Activists Demand Resolution of Land Dispute (24 May 2018 - RFA/Burmese)
• Process to Return Land To Residents in Magway Township has Begun (21 May -2018 - Mizzima/Burmese)
• Land Dispute Continues Between Yuzana Company and Residents (17 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese)
• Landowners Protest in Yann Bye (Ramree) Township (25 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese)
• Farmers Protest Against Land Allocation in Bogalay Township (28 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
• UWSA Confiscates Land in Poneperkyin Township (19 May 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese)
• Sugar-Cane Farmers Protest Land Confiscation (1 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (3 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
• Compensation for Alluvial Land Paid in Amarapura Urban Development Project Case (16 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
• Thandwe Residents Protest for Return of Confiscated Land (4 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (6 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)
• 8 Households Forced to Move (15 May 2018 - BNI/Burmese)
• Over 120 Acres Returned to Residents in Thaton Township (21 May 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)
• District Court Rejects Application to Amend Charges (21 May 2018 - Eleven/Burmese)
INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
• Panglong Peace Conference Postponed for Fourth Time (May 22, 2018 - Myanmar Times) (May 22, 2018 - Mizzima)
• State Counsellor Office Receives 2,516 Complaints (8 May 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (8 May 2018- Myanmar Times/Burmese)
• Anti-Corruption Commission Receives over 2,000 Complaints in 4 Months (6 May 2018- BBC/Burmese)
• 120 Young People Receive Vocational Education (4 May 2018 - The Voice/Burmese)
26 MAY 2018
For more information:
Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) Tate Naing (Secretary) +66 (0) 812 878 751
Bo Kyi (Joint Secretary) +081 962 8713
