Imprisoned for 3 years illegally, 2 young men released from prison

Two young men, who were imprisoned for three years and tortured by junta officials during interrogation, were released on 5 May from the prison.

They are identified as Ko Maung Nyein Aung alias Wai Yan Soe (25 years old) hailing from Than Chaung village under Rathedaung township and Ko Maung Maung Chay (25) from Myo Thit ward in Kyauk Taw township.

Both were arrested by junta forces while they were riding a motorcycle in Kyauk Taw locality on 6 June 2020 with the allegation of links to the Arakan Army.

“We were sent to the 374th battalion based in Kyauk Taw, where we were subjected to electric shocks and waterboarding (forcing them to drown in water) by the military officers for seven days in the interrogation cells. The army officials forced us to admit that we were affiliated to the AA,” said one of the victims.

Unable to bear with the torture, both confessed of being members of the AA.

"But we are ordinary civilians and not associated with the AA. We were exposed to electric shocks and waterboarding. We had experienced almost death. Later we were charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act,” said one of them.

Mrauk U district court sentenced them to three years in prison under section 50 (a) and 52 (a) of the Anti-Terrorism Act on 7 October 2022. They were sent to Sittwe prison. Both were released later from the prison after undergoing a routine health check-up.

There are nearly 40 innocent people in Sittwe prison who were arrested with no legal causes. Most of them were accused of maintaining links with the AA.

"We have been released, but there are still many inside the jail, including 70 years old individuals. They should also be released as soon as possible," he added.

During the year 2022, the military council arrested 594 civilians from Rakhine State on suspicion of being related to the AA, said U Khaing Thukha, spokesman for United League of Arakan /Arakan Army (ULA/AA). In a press conference held on 27 February, he also added that among those detainees 391 were released, but the rest still remain in the government’s custody.