Taungup Youth Network leader’s case submitted to Thandwe District Court

18 Jan 2022

DMG Newsroom
18 January 2022, Thandwe 

The chair of the Taungup Township Youth Network, who has been arrested on suspicion of having ties to the local People’s Defence Force (PDF), will see the case against him move forward this week, according to a defence lawyer.

Defendant Ko Min Ko Oo’s case was submitted to the Thandwe District Court on January 11 and a hearing to discuss case management is scheduled for January 19, said lawyer Daw Theingi Maung.

“After discussing CMP [case management process] on January 19, the trial will start,” she said.

Ko Min Ko Oo was arrested on December 14 and a lawsuit has been opened against him under Section 50(j) of the Counter-Terrorism Law. He is currently detained at Thandwe Prison in southern Arakan State.

His father, U Khin Maung Sein, said his son has been wrongfully accused.

“I heard that my son was transferred to Thandwe Prison. He did not provide money to any PDF group. It is just an accusation. I want him to be released as early as possible,” U Khin Maung Sein said.

At least seven people from Mrauk-U and Thandwe townships in Arakan State have been arrested after being accused of having ties to the PDF.