The trial of six men accused of having ties with the Arakan Army (AA) started in Mrauk U District Court, Arakan State on Tuesday 1 March said a family member who wished to remain anonymous.
They are: Ko Aung Tun Phyu from Myaungbwe Village in Mrauk U Township, Ko Nyi Nyi Hlaing from Shan Ywar Ward in Kyauktaw Township, Ko Kyaw Win from Myebon Township, Ko Sein Kyaw Than from Totekanchaung Village in Kyauktaw Township, Ko Maung Shwe Thein from Sankartaung Village in Buthidaung Township, and Ko Zin Myo Aung from Zinchaung Village in Kyaukphyu Township.
They had all been detained at Kyauktaw Police Station before being brought to the district court.
The men were arrested in connection with conflicts between the Arakan Army and the Burmese Army that broke out in the Pichaung area of Kyauktaw Township in April 2015. They were charged under Section 17 (1) of the Unlawful Association Act.
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI