A land survey staff member, who was detained and questioned at Buthidaung police station, is facing charges under the Counter-Terrorism Law’s article 50 (a) and 51 (c).

 U Maung Hla Thein works at the Department of Agricultural Land Management and Statistics in Buthidaung Township, and he was taken from his home by police and military security forces on October 23.

 “We have received an official letter at around 3p.m. today [October 24] confirming his detention,” U Aung Zaw Min, head of the township’s Department of Agricultural Land Management and Statistics told DMG.

 Daw Thaung Thaung Aye, wife of U Maung Hla Thein said that a police force turned up at their house along with the ward administrator and tried to find incriminating evidence. They took him to the police station in spite of not finding any evidence that could be used against him.  

 “My husband is an honest government employee.  He doesn’t do any illegal activities and he doesn’t associate with people of a dubious character. I’d like to ask the authorities to release my husband as soon as possible,” she said.

 It is unclear at the moment why U Maung Hla Thein is being charged.