The eight accused people from the Arakan Association in Singapore submitted a Myanmar national literature award winning book to Yangon Region’s Western District court as evidence in the court hearing on 24 October.

The book, named Mrauk-U Sittan, is a study of Mrauk-U city. It was written by U Maung Maung Soe.

“The complaint stated that the United League of Arakan (ULA) was formed in 2013 and the AA-S has supported the ULA since 2013. But the book specified that the ULA was formed in a preliminary meeting held from 16 to 20 January 2016. That’s why we submitted the book, to prove the truth,” Advocate U Augn Kyaw Sein, defense lawyer for the eight accused said.

The legal officer from the plaintiff’s side objected to the book because it was not recognized by the Ministry of Information.

“He objects that the book was published without permission from the Press Scrutiny Board. But it was annulled under U Thein Sein government. I thought it was on 7 July in 2012. So, his objection is unusual,” U Augn Kyaw Sein said.

The court, however, accepted the state-owned newspaper that includes the list of award winners, the book about Mrauk-U written by U Maung Maung Soe is on the list.

The next court hearing scheduled for 31 October will decide if the book should be accepted as evidence.

The eight accused, deportees from Singapore, have been charged under section 50(j) and 52 (a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.