A prayer service was held in Buthidaung, Rakhine State on Wednesday (September 26) evening to pray for the release of Dr Aye Maung and youth author Wai Hin Aung, who are facing high treason and defamation charges.
Shwe Kyin Monastery's abbot Ashin Nayaka told Narinjara News that the prayer service was held on the platform of Thapyaykone Pagoda in Buthidaung after 6 pm on September 26.
“They were facing three charges but the charge for unlawful association was dropped and two charges have been filed against them. We held the prayer service because we want [the authorities] to drop the remaining charges and release them,” said Ashin Nayaka.
Dr Aye Maung and Ko Wai Hin Aung have been charged with high treason and defamation of the State under Section 122 and 505 of the Penal Code and they have been detained at Sittwe Prison.
“I believe Dr Aye Maung [and Wai Hin Aung] will be released even though they are facing these charges. I want [the authorities] to release them by aiming towards peace and harmony in the country,” the chief abbot continued.
Around 200 people attended the prayer service and prayed for the two men by receiving the five precepts from the monks and offering candlelight at the pagoda.
A protest was held in Kyauktaw to demand their release and around 200 residents held a prayer service at Atula Marazain Pagoda in Sittwe on August 5.
Dr Aye Maung and Wai Hin Aung could face life in prison as they have been charged with high treason for allegedly making inflammatory speeches that opposed the State during a literary talk in Rathedaung, which was held on January 15 to mark the fall of the Rakhine kingdom.
