Five men from Kyaukseik village, part of Arakan State’s Ponnagyun Township, and its vicinity, who were sentenced to three years in prison with hard labour under Section 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law, were released on February 21.

The five men — Ko Nyi Nyi Aung, Ko Aung Myo Lin, and Ko Maung Chay from Kyaukseik village; Ko Min Soe from Ponnagyun town; and Ko Kyaw Win Hein of Zeebingyi village in neighbouring Mrauk-U Township — were released from Sittwe Prison on Tuesday morning.

“I also want to see freed those who are still in prison who were accused of having illegal ties to the Arakan Army,” said Ko Nyi Nyi Aung. “They have many difficulties. I was released today, and I’m sorry I had to pay. But I am proud to have paid for the Arakanese people.”

The five men were among 38 residents arrested by a Myanmar military contingent in Kyaukseik village on April 19, 2020. A video of the five being beaten during interrogation by Myanmar military soldiers aboard a naval vessel was shared widely on social media in May of that year.

The five men, who were accused of having illegal ties to the Arakan Army (AA), faced two charges under Sections 50(j) and 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law, but were only found guilty of the latter. The Sittwe District Court handed down three-year prison terms on July 6, 2022, with their release this week based on time served since they were detained in 2020.

“I am happy that I was released from prison today. I want to free the people who are still in prison,” said Ko Maung Chay.

Scores of people in Arakan State are currently facing trial and remain behind bars in various prisons for alleged AA ties.