12 people, including Hpakant-based journalist Ko Naung Yoe detained unjustly for political activities were released from Mazutyan prison in Lonkin area in Hpakant, this morning.

The 12 people set free today were charged under Section 505(A) of the Penal Code, and they were released after completing their sentences, Ko Naung Yoe told Kachin News Agency.

“Everyone, including me, were charged under Section 505(A). 11 men and 1 woman were released. We all were sentenced to one-and-a-half-year prison sentence each. All of us were set free after completing the sentences”, he said.

Ko Naung Yoe also called for the immediate release of others who were currently detained in the Hpakant jail.

Among the 12 who were released from prison today are 10 men who were arrested because of setting up a night security gate in Mamon Village, including Ko Naung Yoe. There are a woman from a new century tea shop in Lonban village too.

Those 12 people were held in Hpakant during about 1 year of investigating processes. In March of this year, after being sentenced to one-and-a-half-year prison sentences, they were sent to Mazutyan prison. They were jailed for about 5 months there before finally set free.

Journalist Ko Naung Yoe was arrested by the Military Council troops on March 9 of 2021 while he was travelling for reporting. He was charged not only under Section 505(A) but also under Section 2 that his motorcycle was unlicensed.

Currently around 20 political activists are still being detained in Mazutyan prison and expected to be released soon.

Photo - Journalist Ko Naung Yoe