The Loikaw Township Court dismissed charges on Tuesday (January 23) against three men who were sued for leading a protest in Loikaw on January 5.
Khu Tuu Reh, chairman of the Karenni State Farmer Union, Khun A Than, central committee member of the Kayan New Generation Youth, and Khun Bee Htoo, chairman of the Kayan National Party, were charged under Section 19 of the Peace Assembly and Peace Procession Law for leading a large demonstration in support of five protesters, who were charged for protesting without permission from the authorities.
The three men were released from Loikaw Prison after their case was dismissed.
The authorities have also decided not to take action against those that led another protest on January 19.
Khun Bee Htoo told the Kantarawaddy Times that they have reached an agreement with the government to give up-to-date information to the public about the investigation on the death of the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) members and a civilian, release news on the situation on taking action against the perpetrators, and occasionally hold meetings between the government and the civil society organizations.
“The public needs to monitor in order to prevent another killing. Rule of law is essential in the state,” he said.
The KNPP mediated between the government and the protestors to dismiss the charges and have mutual cooperation and release transparent news.
The Kayah State Chief Minister has invited civil society organizations to meet with the state government any time to discuss the KNPP members’ death issue.
Five protesters who were charged under the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law have been released on January 24 after serving 20 days in prison.
The protestors said they will monitor whether the government fulfills the points from the agreement and continue to demand justice for the death of the KNPP members and a civilian.
Five youths, who led a demonstration in Loikaw on December 22 over this incident, were ordered to pay Ks 30,000 by Loikaw Township Court on January 12, but they refused to pay the fine so they were given 20-day sentence.
According to Section 19 of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law, anyone who holds an assembly or a procession without informing the authorities can receive a maximum sentence of three-month imprisonment or a fine of Ks 30,000 or both.
