Two village administrators in Buthedaung produced in court for 5th time

Narinjara News, 6 January 2023

Even though the military council released some individuals, arrested on suspicion of being involved with the Arakan Army, two minority village administrators from Buthidaung township are yet to be released.

They have been prosecuted under section 17(1) of the unlawful association act and facing trials.

Dainet ethnic administrator U U Kyaw Hla (66 years old) from Khut Min Chong village and Muslim administrator U Hami Tusong (60) from Myi Kyung Zee market area were produced in the township court for the 5th time on Thursday.

The son of Kyaw Hla informed Narinjara News that another court hearing is scheduled for 12 January next.

"Our lawyer returned back with empty hands as he was sick, and the judge only gave us a remand trial. My father's legs were swollen. He needs medical attention urgently. He was perhaps tortured during interrogations. A senior citizen should be exposed to such a situation. Even Hami Tusong is also not feeling well,” said the son Kyaw Hla.

They are now being kept in Buthidaung prison. Family members are worried about their health.

"My Grandma (father's mother) remains very sad because of his arrest. He couldn't sleep well, and his health may deteriorate if not released soon. Rakhine State authority normally does not allow the clinical facility to a detainee, but I have asked permission for the same,” he added.

It is understood that both the village administrators were forced to confess about their financial involvement with the AA. A Buthidaung military council officer sued them and registered a case under the unlawful association act on 29 September.

Both the village administrators along with 10 others were invited by the commander  of the 234th military strategy battalion based in Buthidaung township for a meeting on 3 September. After the session, other villagers left the venue, but they were detained and later arrested without showing any reason.