Update: Multiple Charges Filed Against Detained Human Rights Defender Mr Ko Htin Kyaw

By Front Line Defenders • September 19, 2013

According to the information received on 17 September 2013 from the Movement for Democracy Current Force (MDCF), human rights defender Mr Ko Htin Kyaw is currently facing multiple charges as a result of his human rights work. Ko Htin Kyaw is the Director of the MDCF, a community-based organisation working to promote development and democracy in Burma.

Since his arrest on 2 August 2013, the human rights defender has been held at Insein Prison in a separate cell. His health has deteriorated as a result of his detention. It is reported that Ko Htin Kyaw has been sent to different courts from Insein Prison nearly every day, since a number of charges have been filed against him.

Currently, the human rights defender is facing ten charges for violating Section 18 of the Assembly and Procession Law, which prohibits peaceful assembly without official permission and carries a penalty of one year imprisonment. The ten counts of charges are from North Oakla Township Court, Dagon Township Court, Thingangyun Township Court, Kyauktada Township Court, Pa-Bel-Dann Township Court, Tar Myay Township Court, and Mingala Taung Nyunt Township Court.

He is also facing two charges under Section 500 and 505 (b) of the Penal Code for “insulting the state” at North Oakla Township Court for holding a press conference against land grabbing. The penalty under Section 500 and 505 (b) is two years imprisonment each. Other charges are related to his campaign against illegal land seizures.

Front Line Defenders is concerned with the multiple charges against Ko Htin Kyaw as a result of his role in exercising the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, as well as his continuing arbitrary detention. Front Line Defenders reiterates its call to the authorities in Burma to immediately and unconditionally drop all charges against Ko Htin Kyaw, and consequently release him without delay, as he has been targeted for his legitimate and peaceful work defending land rights.

For more information, please find the original urgent appeal dated 9 August 2013.

Tags: Arrest, Front Line Defenders, Htin Kyaw, Human Rights Defenders

This post is in: Press Release

Update: Multiple Charges Filed Against Detained Human Rights Defender Mr Ko Htin Kyaw

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