A final appeal in the case of Ko Tin Tun Aung from Paletwa Township, Chin State, who was detained by the Myanmar military late last year and faces incitement charges, will be heard at his next court hearing on April 1, according to a lawyer involved.

Ko Tin Tun Aung appeared before the local court in Paletwa on Thursday, when he and two defence witnesses were examined. The defence will have to submit a final appeal at the next court hearing, the lawyer said.

“The judge asked about how Ko Tin Tun Aung was arrested and when he was interrogated. During the court hearing, the judge asked how and when Ko Tin Tun Aung was airlifted,” said a family member who attended the court hearing.

U Tin Tun Aung was reportedly taken to the Arakan State capital Sittwe in a military helicopter in the second week of January, after being charged under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, an incitement provision, at the Paletwa Township police station on December 30. He was returned to police custody in Paletwa on January 23.

Ko Tin Tun Aung pleaded not guilty to the charges at a previous court hearing.

He was arrested on December 28 after telling the Arakan State-based media outlet Western News that a white flag had been seen flying on a hill where a Myanmar military battalion was stationed in Paletwa Township.

“About the white flag hoisting, he said as he had heard. He did not know he would be punished for saying that. He should be released because he is a civil servant,” said a relative of Ko Tin Tun Aung.

Prior to his arrest, Ko Tin Tun Aung had worked in healthcare for 13 years. His family and other supporters worry that if Ko Tin Tun Aung is convicted, he will not be able to continue his work in the civil service, the relative added.