Aung Kaung Zaw — A campaign was launched in Arakan State’s Ann Township on January 6 to demand the unconditional release of all Arakanese people arrested under various sections of the law.
Ko Myo Lwin, a local activist in Ann Township, told DMG that the campaign was taken up in more than 30 villages, as well as downtown Ann, and was being carried out by local people, not by any one organisation.
“The locals in Ann Township are demanding the release of those arrested under various sections,” he said.
A local resident said that the campaign was launched due to the arrest and imprisonment of Dr. Aye Maung, a former MP representing Ann Township.
“The people are launching a campaign to secure the release of the local people arrested by the government and Tatmadaw, including Dr. Aye Maung, the Lower House MP for the Ann Township constituency,” he said. “Due to the unjust detention of Dr. Aye Maung, we in Arakan State have suffered from all sides. Local people want the detainees released.”
Ko Myo Lwin claimed that up to 300 people, including Dr. Aye Maung, had been unjustly arrested in Arakan State under various criminal statutes.
The campaign calls for the unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Dr. Aye Maung and Ko Wai Hun Aung, and students across Myanmar facing various charges for human rights activism.
