Failure of junta prosecutors in making court appointments leads to suffering for Kyaukphyu detainees

Two Kyauk Phyu township youths, who were arrested and prosecuted under section 505(a), face lengthy suffering because of the military prosecutors’ failure to the attend the court proceedings for 45 times.

Family members of the detainees (Ko Sai Wunna Kyaw, 28 and Ko Tun Tun Zaw, 20) allege it as a great loss for them.

The military council scheduled a trial date for them on 30 June, but two prosecution witnesses did not come to the trial and hence it was rescheduled to 14 July.

Kyauk Phyu township court examined four prosecutors and witnesses, but five witnesses, including two military officers, are yet to be examined.

A worried member of their families from Murai village informed that because of their insincerity both the young men continue to suffer.

"We came to the trial with a lot of expenses and also troubles because of rainy days. But they have taken it lightly and gone canceling the trials. The witnesses have refused to come forward. It has been going on for many years. We are not only losing money, but also time and energy. The accused youths are being tortured without any logic. This is how their human rights have been violated," he added.

Arrested Sai Wunna Kyaw is a carpenter by profession and Tun Tun Zaw is a student pursuing distance learning university courses.

On 24 June last 2022, when they came to Zin Chaung village under the same township to buy some items, they were stopped by five policemen from the local station. Later they were taken to Zin Chaung police station for questioning, stated a family source.

Next day, they were allowed to meet family members in the morning hours and by evening they were taken to an army battalion for further interrogations. Later they were arrested following a lawsuit by a local police officer.

During the conflict days across Rakhine State, when the junta soldiers were fighting against the Arakan Army members, many innocent Rakhine people were arrested suspecting their links with the AA. Locals claim that a huge loss on the part of defendants is taking place because of the failed prosecution in absence of the prosecutors.