Repeated postponements of trial dates for U Zaw Win, a social activist
charged under section 505-A, is understood as personal hatred against him, said
a Rakhine human rights activist.
Hailing from Kyauk Taw, Zaw Win is facing troubles without a specific
order from the court.
According to his family, Zaw Win had had to appear in the
trial court for 17 times after the necessary investigations were
completed.
"It's not going through the legal process, rather it's a personal attack
on Zaw Win, who always speaks about true Rakhine issues under the military
rulers. The junta authorities hate him and they are targeting him
personally. It’s illegal and dirty," added the rights activist.
Lately, Zaw Win was produced at Kyauk Taw township
court at about 10:30 am on 24 October, there was no judge present to decide his
fate. Next trial is scheduled for 7 November.
The rights activist asserted that delaying a trial repeatedly without issuing
any order is unjustified and it’s a clear violation of human rights.
"I just want to say that the military court has taken actions
against him on a personal basis. It seems, the law is not equal and fair for
every citizen. The judges should not impose punishment as they wish
(without following the rules),” he added.
Many people have been arrested by the junta officials without any
evidence. Those are simply arbitrary arrests, the right activist
exclaimed.
Mentionable is that Zaw Win was arrested on 21 June 2022 with the
suspicion of being associated with the Arakan Army (AA).
Along with him, two tobacco company employees ( Ko Zaw Moe Htet and U Kyaw Than
Maung) and an Indian tricycle driver were arrested from Kyauk Taw
locality. All of them were charged under section 505-A.
After the trials, both Zaw Moe Htet and Kyaw Than Maung were sentenced to hard
labour with two years of imprisonment on 15 September. But no such
punishment is ordered for Zaw Win.
One of his family members expresses hope that he would be
released with no punishment, probably on the next full moon day (with junta’s
amnesty).
The section 505-A is applicable to someone who spreads rumours
causing fear & panic among the public and directly or indirectly incite
criminal activities. It may invite three years of imprisonment with a
penalty. There are hundreds of Rakhine people who have been facing section
505-A with the allegation of AA associations.