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 villageadministrators from Buthidaung township are yet to be released.

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

Dainet ethnic administrator U U Kyaw Hla (66 years old) from Khut Min Chong village and Muslim administratorU Hami Tusong (60) from Myi KyungZee 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. Myfather's legs were swollen. He needsmedical attention urgently. He was perhaps tortured during interrogations. A senior citizen shouldbe 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 becauseof his arrest. He couldn't sleepwell, and his health may deteriorate if not released soon. Rakhine State authority normally does not allow theclinical 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 financialinvolvement with the AA. A Buthidaung militarycouncil 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 234thmilitary strategy battalion based in Buthidaungtownship for a meeting on 3 September. After the session, other villagers left the venue, butthey were detained and later arrestedwithout showing any reason.