More than 60 individuals, including owners and employees oftwo White House and Sweet Dream KTVs in Sittwe Township, Rakhine State, havebeen charged at the Sittwe Myoma police station under a section of the law thatcould lead to a maximum prison term of 3 years, as reported by individualsfamiliar with the situation.

An individual familiar with the Rakhine state governmentoffice revealed that a combined total of 64 people, which includes 49 employeesfrom White House KTV (including the owner and manager) and 15 employees fromSweet Dream KTV (also including the owner and manager), have been charged underArticle 32 of the Television and Video Law on July 31.

"Yes, they are facing charges. Over 60 individuals havebeen charged," he confirmed.

White House KTV is situated in West San Pya Ward, while SweetDream KTV is located in Min Gan Ward, both within Sittwe Township.

On July 30 at 12:00, Military Council troops and police forcesconducted a raid on Rock & Roll KTV in Ma Gyi Myaing Ward, Sittwe Township,as well as on the aforementioned two KTVs.

Following the raid, the manager, employees, and guests whowere at the KTVs were taken into custody and transferred to the Sittwe Myomapolice station.

The individuals who were apprehended were charged on thefollowing day, July 31, and subsequently released on bail.

The charge brought against them under Section 32 of theTelevision and Video Law can result in a penalty of a fine amounting to 100,000Kyats, a prison sentence of up to 3 years, or a combination of both.

The KTVs were raided and individuals were arrested becausethey disregarded the agreement made by the State Military Council, which statedthat KTVs in Sittwe should remain temporarily closed and not operate.

There have been reports of KTVs in the state being arrestedand charged for operating beyond 12:00pm. We reached out to the Sittwe Myomapolice station to inquire about the reasons for their arrest and charges, butwe have not received any response as of now.

Likewise, we contacted Sittwe Township Administrator U KyawLwin by phone, and he directed us to inquire solely with the police stationofficials regarding this issue.

This year, the Military Council has issued instructions toallow the operation of restaurants, KTVs, bars, nightclubs, and massage parlorsacross the nation only if they possess valid business licenses. They have alsoordered the shutdown of establishments operating without the requisite permits,starting from July 5.

Following these instructions, commencing from June, theMilitary Council carried out inspections of KTVs in different townships,including Myawaddy in Karen State, Mawlamyine in Mon State, Nay Pyi Taw,Yangon, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Kachin State. They arrested and penalized KTVsthat did not comply with the stipulated rules and regulations.

In a similar manner, KTVs in Sittwe underwent raids andindividuals were arrested by the Military Council.

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