The indictment of four top leaders of the Arakan Army including the commander-in-chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing is not a pressing issue for the government, spokesperson of the President Office U Zaw Htay told media in a press briefing held at the Presidential Palace on 16 August.

“The government did not charge them. Please check who opened the complaint. If police started the case, it would be better that you ask the police,” U Zaw Htay responded to a journalist.

The AA’s top leaders are jointly accused in a case involving 12 villagers from five villages in Mrauk-U, Minbya and Sittwe townships. They have been charged under Counter-Terrorism laws.

The AA’s chief Maj-Gen Twan Mrat Naing, deputy chief Brig-Gen Nyo Twan Aung, Colonel Kyaw Han and spokesperson Khaing Thukha have been added in the case.

The top four leaders have stated that accusing them of ordering the twelve villagers to do participate in violent activities is erroneous. Police captain Aung Thura, head of Mrauk-U Myoma police station has opened the case under section 52 (a) of the Counter-Terrorism law.

The police gave reason at the court on 18 July that they do not have enough force to arrest the AA’s top leaders and the case against twelve villagers could not be tried in court.

“Their excuse is groundless,” said Daw Aye Nu Sein, who is providing legal aid for the twelve accused.

Six of them are from Kyaung Taung village in Mrauk-U Township and they were arrested while they were sending a patient to Mrauk-U on 12 March. The patient was also arrested and died a few days after being detained.