A case against U Sein Chit and Ko Ye Naing Oo, who were arrested last month on suspicion of having links to the anti-regime People’s Defence Force (PDF), was filed at the Thandwe Township Court on Monday.

A case management meeting has been scheduled for November 22, said Daw Theingi Maung, a lawyer representing the defendants.

Captain Nay Zaw Htet, from the military’s Light Infantry Battalion No. 55 based in Ngapali town, filed a lawsuit against the two men under Section 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law, according to family members of the accused.

“We are odd-job workers and earn a living as motorcycle taxi drivers. They should not be arrested like this,” said Ko Ye Naing Htwe, the younger brother of Ko Ye Naing Oo.

Ko Sein Chit, a social activist, was arrested at his home on October 9 for alleged ties to PDF members who were previously detained in Maubin town, Ayeyarwady Region. Ko Ye Naing Oo, a three-wheeled taxi driver, was nabbed by police for allegedly close contact with Ko Sein Chit.

The two men actively volunteered for local philanthropic activities in Thandwe Township and took part in efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

Two women and a 17-year-old girl in Thandwe Township were arrested on suspicion of having PDF ties and were charged under the Counter-Terrorism Law on November 3.

At least six people in Arakan State — five from Thandwe Township and one from Mrauk-U Township — have been arrested on suspicion of PDF affiliations and charged under the Counter-Terrorism Law.