Yan Moe Naing

Anti-war campaigners get one-year sentences for calls to end Rakhine conflict

The Chan Aye Tharzan township court in Mandalay region sentenced three activists to a year in prison today after finding them guilty of violating sections 505 (a) and 505 (b) of the Penal Code. Kyaw Thiha Ye Kyaw, Soe Hla Naing, and Ye Yint Aung are all members of All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU) who have been campaigning against the ongoing armed conflict in Rakhine state.  The ABFSU has held anti-war demonstrations in cities across the country, including Yangon, Mandalay, Monywa, Meiktila, Pakokku, Magwe, and Sittwe. Among their demands are an end to fighting in Rakhine and access to 4G internet service in the state. Police in each of the cities have pressed charges against the activists under the Penal Code. In Mandalay, lawsuits have also been opened under the Peaceful Assembly Law and the Natural Disaster Management Law.  Another 13 students are currently being prosecuted in Mandalay for their involvement in the anti-war campaign.