November Chronology 2017

NOVEMBER CHRONOLOGY 2017

Summary of the Current Situation:

There are 228 individuals oppressed in Burma due to political activities,

NOVEMBER 2017 1

Table of Contents

POLITICAL PRISONERS ...... 3 ▪ ARRESTS……………………………………………………………………………………….3 ▪ DETENTION…………………………………………………………………………………..4 ▪ TRIALS………………………………………………………………………………………….5 ▪ SENTENCES………………………………………………………………………………...... 7 ▪ RELEASES….....……………………………………………………………………………….9 ▪ FORMER POLITICAL PRISONERS…....…………………………………………...... 10 RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS ...... 11 LEGISLATION AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS ...... 17 INSTITUTIONAL REFORM………………………………………………………………………...18 REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………………………19

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POLITICAL PRISONERS

▪ ARRESTS

Man Accused of Unlawful Association for Launching Balloon On November 11, resident from Late Kha Maw village in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, Hla Tun Kyaw, was arrested regarding charges under Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Association Act. According to Police Lieutenant, Kyaw Zaw, of the Kyaukphyu Myoma police station, Hla Tun Kyaw was accused of unlawful association for launching a fire balloon celebrating the 39th birthday of Brigadier General of ethnic armed group (EAG) the Arakan Army (AA) Tun Myat Naing. The words ‘Happy Birthday General’ were written on the balloon, which was also adorned with photos of him. (12 November 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (13 November 2017 - BNI/Burmese) (14 November 2017 - DVB)

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▪ Detention

SHRF Appeals for Charges to be Dropped Against Nine Ho Pong Farmers On November 28, the Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) published and urgent appeal calling for charges against nine farmers from Southern Shan State, including a 12-year-old boy to be immediately dropped. The farmers were arrested by the Military between July 15 and August 4 on suspicion of affiliation with the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA-S), an ethnic armed group (EAG), for possession of items, such as walkie-talkies, mobile phones, hunting rifles, and bullets. Only six of the eight adults currently being detained at the Ho Pong police station have begun their trial due to absences of the Military plaintiffs. Military plaintiffs who have appeared at hearings have reportedly been uncooperative by avoiding or refusing to answer questions. The 12-year-old boy, was released from custody on August 5 and has been called to court over ten times. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma /farmers-arrested-shan-state-facing-four- charges.html charges explained (24 November 2017 - BNI/Burmese)(28 November 2017 - SHRF)(28 November 2017 - BNI/Burmese)

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▪ TRIALS

KWAT and Fortify Rights Call for Release testified at the court. During the hearing, of Kachin Human Rights Defender Michael Kyaw Myint submitted a request to On November 14, the Kachin Women’s be granted bail, stating that he was in poor Association of Thailand (KWAT) and Fortify health. The Judge refused his bail request on Rights released a statement calling for the grounds that the offense under 505(b) of release of ethnic Kachin human rights the Penal Code was not bailable. On October defender Dashi Naw Lawn. A court hearing 23, Michael Kyaw Myint was arrested and took place on the same day where the detained by police on charges of sedition Mohnyin District Court was scheduled to under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code determine whether to uphold charges while he was preparing to leave for a self- against the defendant. Dashi Naw Lawn organized protest, for which he had faces criminal defamation charges under obtained permission on October 21 from Section 500 of the Penal Code and has been authorities. The case against Michael Kyaw on trial since a summons was issued by the Myint was filed by Yangon Regional Phakant Township Judge, Soe Lin Aung, on Government Secretary, Moe Hein, in June 26. The charges were filed at the court relation to the defendant’s announcement by Military Captain of the Infantry Division on Facebook on October 23 about his #101, who accused Dashi Naw Lawn of intention to hold the protest. distributing defamatory leaflets to the (1 November 2017 - The Voice/Burmese)(1 public on June 9 that commemorated the November 2017 - Eleven)(11 November breakdown of the ceasefire agreement 2017 - Eleven (20 November 2017 - between the Kachin Independence Army Eleven/Burmese) (KIA) and the Military. The leaflets also contained information about alleged human Court Denies Aung Ko Htwe’s Bail rights violations committed by the Military. Request Dashi Naw Lawn is the secretary of the On November 9, former child soldier, Aung Kachin National Development Foundation, a Ko Htwe, facing sedition charges under local community based organization (CBO) Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, was that defends villagers’ rights in Phakant, denied bail by the Dagon Myothit Seikkan Kachin State. On October 2, he appealed the Township Court. Aung Ko Htway was charges against him at the Mohnyin District arrested by police on August 18, after a Court. lawsuit was filed against him by Lieutenant (14 November 2017 - Fortify Rights) Colonel Myo Myint Aung regarding an interview he gave to Radio Free Asia (RFA) Michael Kyaw Myint’s Prolonged Trial earlier in the month about his experiences Continues as a forcibly conscripted soldier in the On November 1, the first court hearing in military. At the court hearing, Captain, Thun Michael Myint’s trial at the Tamwe Naing, gave testimony as a witness. Aung Ko Township Court was adjourned and Htwe’s lawyer, Zaw Min Hlaing pleased to deferred until November 10 because the the judge that there was no evidence plaintiff, Moe Hein, asked for a leave of indicating that his client would run away absence. On November 10, his court hearing and should therefore be granted bail. Aung at the Tamwe Township Court was again Ko Htway’s 8th court hearing was adjourned due to the absence of the scheduled on November 23. Prosecution plaintiff, prolonging his trial once more. At a witnesses are expected to testify. hearing on November 20, plaintiff Moe Hein 09 November 2017 – RFA/Burmese

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Bail Revoked for Ten Farmers by used by the Military would be returned to Taungoo District Court original owners and that farmers simply On November 17, the Taungoo District needed to show their ownership titles and Court revoked bail for ten farmers from crop tax receipts to have them returned to Taungoo Township, Bago Division who are them. However, many local farmers whose facing charges for removing stone pillars on lands were confiscated have not received land that was confiscated from them by the gotten their lands back. Taungoo Air Force Headquarters. On (18 November 2017 – The Voice/Burmese) October, 2016, they were charged for (20 November 2017 – The Voice/Burmese) trespassing under Section 447 of the Penal Code by the Taungoo Air Force Headquarters. Although they were arrested, they were granted bail. During their trial, the plaintiff appealed to the court to change their charges to Section 427 of the Penal Code. The Judge refused the charge but accepted to charge them under Section 6/1 of the Public Property Protection Act. In 1991, the Taungoo Air Force Headquarters confiscated 345.50 acres of land by an oral order to build an airport. The lands were owned by 59 local farmers from Ii Sot village, Taungoo Township. Farmers not only had ownership titles for the lands but also crop tax receipts. On October 20, their court hearing at the Taungoo Township Court was adjourned and deferred until December 5 due to the absence of the plaintiffs and lawyer. Although the lands were confiscated, not all of it was used by the Air Force, they were not returned to local farmers. Taungoo Air Force Headquarters rented the land to local farmers for cultivating. Later, the Air Force fenced off the land and banned farmers from cultivating on the lands. Land rights activist, Lay Naing, said that farmers staged a ploughing protest in July 2013 and that they intend to hold a Red Ribbon Campaign on November 20, 2017, opposing the decision of revoking bail for the defendants. This never happened however as the plaintiffs and their lawyer did not turn up at the office. The court hearing was rescheduled, and the Red Ribbon Campaign will happen then. After 2010, Commander in Chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and Officials of the Ministry of Defense stated that confiscated lands that were not

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▪ SENTENCES

Interpreter, Driver, and Two Foreign the Myanmar Immigration Act for Journalists Sentenced overstaying their visas, which expired on On November 10, interpreter, Aung Naing November 17 while they were being Soe, and driver, Hla Tin, along with a pair of detained. The next court hearing is foreign journalists from Turkish media scheduled to take place on December 4. outlet TRT World, were sentenced to two (1 November 2017 - The Irrawaddy)(2 months imprisonment under Section 10 of November 2017- RFA/Burmese)(9 the 1934 Aircraft Act at the Zabuthiri November 2017- Mizzima/Burmese)(10 Township Court in Naypyidaw. Though the November 2017- RFA/Burmese)(10 four individuals were originally charged by November 2017- VOA/Burmese)(10 police under Section 8 of the Export and November 2017- Irrawaddy/Burmese)(10 Import Law for flying a drone near November 2017- Mizzima/Burmese) (10 parliament, they were informed at the court November 2017- Myanmar hearing that they would face charges under Times/Burmese)(10 November 2017 - The the Aircraft Act. Without adequate time to Irrawaddy)(10 November 2017 - DVB)(10 prepare for the new charges, the defendants November 2017 - Myanmar Now) (11 pleaded guilty to the new charges that they November 2017- 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (11 and their lawyer were unfamiliar with. On November 2017 - Mizzima)(11 November November 12, the Myanmar Press Council 2017 - Eleven)(13 November 2017 - denied a request sent by Ye Htoo, a close Myanmar Times)(14 November 2017 - friend of Aung Naing Soe’s, to investigate Frontier Myanmar)(16 November 2017 - and settle the case on grounds that the The Irrawaddy)(16 November 2017 - requests must come from the person being DVB)(16 November 2017 - Frontier sued. At a court hearing on November 16, Myanmar) (16 November 2017 - the defendants’ lawyers objected to the DVB/Burmese)(16 November 2017 - charges under the Export and Import Law RFA/Burmese) (16 November 2017 - that the defendants still faced, pleading that VOA/Burmese)(16 November 2017 - the defendants could not be tried again on Irrawaddy/Burmese) (16 November 2017 - similar charges for the same case (also Mizzima/Burmese) (16 November 2017 - known as ‘double jeopardy’). The judge The Voice/Burmese)(16 November 2017 - accepted the motion, but the prosecution Eleven/Burmese)(17 November 2017 - 7 lawyer insisted that the defense lawyers Day Daily/Burmese)(17 November 2017 - submit the plea in writing. Though the Myanmar Times/Burmese)(17 November plaintiff and officer who made the arrest 2017 - Mizzima)(16 November 2017 - testified at the court hearing, none of the VOA)(15 November 2017 - RSF) (20 eight prosecution witnesses attended the November 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese)(27 hearing. On November 27, the presiding November 2017 - The Irrawaddy)(27 Judge at the Zabuthiri Township Court in November 2017 - DVB)(27 November 2017 Naypyidaw rejected defense’s motion to - Mizzima) (27 November 2017 - dismiss charges under Section 8 the Export DVB/Burmese) (27 November 2017 - and Import Law, ruling that the charges Irrawaddy/Burmese) (27 November 2017 - against the defendants were sufficiently Mizzima/Burmese) (27 November 2017 - distinct the charges under Section 10 of the BBC/Burmese) (27 November 2017 - Aircraft Act. At the hearing, the foreign RFA/Burmese) (27 November 2017 - Journalists, Lau Hon Meng from Singapore VOA/Burmese) (28 November 2017 - and Mok Choy Lin from Malaysia, were additionally charged under Section 13(1) of

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Myanmar Times)(28 November 2017 - Frontier Myanmar)

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▪ RELEASES San Shwe was arrested with Sinma Village NLD Chairman, Myint Naing, and Vice Students Forcibly Recruited by KIA Chairman, Lwin Oo. However, Myint Naing Released and Lwin Oo were released from detention On November 12, 20 students from because they were not involved in the case Myitkyina University of Distance Education and San Shwe was released on bail at his in Kachin State were released by the Kachin first court hearing. Independence Army (KIA) after the Kachin (10 November 2017 – Eleven/Burmese) Peace-talk Creation Group (PCG) requested their release at the KIA headquarters in Land Rights Activist Released on Bail Laiza town. On November 14, another 13 On November 29, Chairperson of the Dawei students were released. On November 11, District Farmers Union, Ye Htwe, was when students and locals were relaxing released on bail during her second court near Gway Yut Yan Suspension Bridge near hearing. Four farmers including Ye Htwe, Wa Shaung Village in Waimaw Township, were charged under Sections 294, 279(a), approximately 30 people were forcibly and 427 of the Penal Code by the Director of taken for recruitment by the KIA. PCG has the Dawei Development Public Company stated that all students were released by the (DDPC), Kyaw Thein Naing, for preventing KIA. the DDPC from working on five acres of (13 November 2017 – BBC/Burmese) (13 confiscated land, originally belonging to the November 2017 – RFA/Burmese) (16 farmers. According to Ye Htwe, the lands November 2017 – The Voice/Burmese) were seized without notice or compensation. Further, four farmers, NLD Party Member Released After including Ye Htwe, were charged under Serving Sentence Sections 447 and 427 of the Penal Code by On November 10, Pathein Township Vice member of the Customs Department, Ohn Chairman of the National League for Win. In addition, five farmers including Ye Democracy (NLD), San Shwe, was released Htwe were also charged under Sections 447 from the Pathein Prison after serving his and 427 of the Penal Code by Social Welfare, three-month sentence. On September 4, Relief, and Resettlement Department after nine months on trial, San Shwe was Representative, Phyu Phyu Win. Their next sentenced to three months imprisonment court hearing is scheduled on December 6. under Section 66(d) of the (30 ovember 2017 – Eleven/Burmese) Telecommunications Law by the Pathein Township Court for defaming NLD Member and Administrator of Sinma village in Pathein Township, Aung Ko Lwin, on Facebook. The post, which has since been removed, claimed Aung Ko Lwin was forcing unlicensed liquor shops to buy alcohol from him by saying he was the nephew of Lower House Speaker, Win Myint. The post called for an investigation into the matter because of the damage it was likely to bring to the image of the Speaker, the Party, and Parliament. After the case was filed on November 24, 2016, under Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law by Aung Ko Lwin,

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▪ FORMER POLITICAL PRISONERS

Former Political Prisoner’s Art Featured in Storybook In November, The Irrawaddy published an excerpt about former political prisoner and former AAPP Counselor, San Zaw Htway, from that was the recently in published Burma Storybook, a poetry and photography book. San Zaw Htway was interviewed about his longstanding passion for art, which he continued to make while imprisoned from 1999-2012, after being convicted for his political activism as a student. While in prison, he collected colourful garbage and turned them into collages as a form of political resistance. He was sentenced to 36 years in jail but was released under presidential amnesty in 2012. (26 November 2017 - The Irrawaddy)

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RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS

Land Rights Activist Killed Kyaukpyu Township Farmers Meet with On November 1, land rights activist and Vice President Over SEZ Issues Member of the Federation of National On November 4, five farmer Peasants Union (FNPU) and the representatives, U Thein Tan, U Kyan Lu, U Investigation Committee for Violations of Saw Maung Nu, U Thun Oo, and Oo Hla Thein Human Rights, Htay Aung, died at the met with vice president, Henry Van Thio. Mandalay Hospital of injuries he sustained According to Oo Thein Tan, they requested from an attack on October 28 by a mob of new farmland, official ownership titles for approximately 20 people in Iwine Parhe ancestral lands and garden land, and that Village, Shan State. their houses, which were seized and After sending letters appeal to the Central destroyed, be rebuilt to a standard, not Review Committee on Confiscated lower than the original. Thein Tan said that Farmlands and Other Lands, Parliament, they requested, 900 million kyat approx. and the Shan State Chief Minister, seeking USD$600,000) per acre of confiscated the return of confiscated land in Iwine farmland, 700 million kyat (approx. USD$ Parhe Village, Htay Aung was invited by 513,000) per acre of confiscated garden village administrators to conduct an land, and 500 million kyat (approx. inspection of the disputed land area. As USD$370,000) per acre of confiscated Htay Aung was waiting for the village pasture land. Though 4,280 acres of administrators to arrive, he was farmland were originally planned to be approached by the mob who began shouting confiscated for the special economic zone and swearing at him before beating him (SEZ), only 2500 acres of land were with bamboo sticks and sugarcane stems. confiscated. Arakan State Chief Minister, Oo On October 28, three individuals were Nyi Pu, said that their demands would be arrested and detained for questioning at the fulfilled. Police Station regarding Htay Aung’s (06 November 2017 - BNI/Burmese)(05 murder but were released the same day. As November 2017 - Global New Light of of November 13, an investigation is believed Myanmar) to be ongoing. (2 November 2017 - RFA) (2 November 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (3 November 2017 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (3 November 2017 - Mizzima) (5 November 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese) (8 November 2017 -

FIDH) (9 November 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (9 November 2017 - Reuters) (10 November 2017 - VOA/Burmese) (13 November 2017 - Reuters)

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Proposal Urges Government to in compensation so far out of this year’s Scrutinize Land Disputes budget of one billion kyat. On November 6, Lower House (07 November 2017 – 7 Day Daily) Representative of Kani Township, Tun Tun Naing, submitted a proposal during a Farmers Affairs Committee Calls for parliamentary session urging the Amendment to Land Acquisition Act Government to scrutinize land dispute On November 7, Chairman of Upper House Farmers Affairs Committee, Ba Myo Thein, cases being handled by the Central Review said that the 1984 Land Acquisition Act Committee on Confiscated Farmlands and must be amended as it is outdated and does Other Lands. Tun Tun Naing raised the issue not match the current needs of the country. of ongoing land disputes between original He added that the Land Acquisition Act farmers and people who have been must be amended to provide fair permitted by authorities to work on them, compensation for people who have had as well as disputes over forest reserves, their lands taken away. Other concerns of vacant lands, and fallow lands. In addition, the Farmers Affairs Committee include the he said people were being allowed by redistribution of confiscated land, the authorities to disobey the law. Chairman of restoration of houses and villages, and the Lower House, Win Myint, said that the reducing environmental damage. On proposal to urge the government to resolve October 30, the Farmers Affairs Committee submitted a proposal at the Upper House, the land disputes was not appropriate and calling for the amendment of the Land that Members of Parliament should resolve Acquisition Act. The Committee stated that these issues themselves. the amendment of the law would be (6 November 2017 – RFA/Burmese)(6 beneficial for state development projects November 2017 – The Voice/Burmese)(6 and would help get confiscated land November 2017 – Eleven/Burmese) returned to original landowners. (08 November 2017 - Myanmar Over Four Billion Kyat Given in Times/Burmese) (17 November 2017 - 7 Compensation for Confiscated Farmland Day Daily/Burmese) in Naypyidaw Member of Naypyidaw Development Salingyi Township Farmers Demand Committee, Min Thu, said that farmers who Land Compensation had their land confiscated for the On November 10, a discussion was held construction of a project in Naypyidaw have between Members of the Sagaing Divisional been given over four billion kyat (approx. Government, local farmers and parliament USD$ 4 billion) in compensation. Min Thu representatives. Local farmers asked to be confirmed that the Government has given given land compensation for over 2000 land and crop compensation each of the last acres of land that were confiscated for the six previous years. Under the U Thein Sein implementation of the Sabetaung and Government, compensation to farmers was Kyisintaung Copper Mine Project in Salingyi given four times: 800 million kyat in 2012- Township, Sagaing Division. In addition, 13, 460 million kyat in 2013-14, 480 million they asked for the Sagaing Divisional in 2014-15, and 710 million in 2015-16. Government to submit their three demands According to Min Thu, the Government gave to the Union Government. These three the most compensation in 2016-2017, when demands were: farmers were given over 1.5 billion kyat in 1) To have land issues be immediately funding support. Min Thu also stated that resolved, the Government has spent 400 million kyat 2) For the Sagaing Divisional Government to

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recommend that companies return State Counsellor’s Office, the Lower House, confiscated lands to farmers cultivating on the Ministry of Mines, parliament them already, and representatives and township general 3) For the Sabetaung and Kyisintaung administrators since 2015, they have not Copper Mine Project to be stopped and the received any compensation. In May 2017, other issues related to it be resolved. when a Lower House representative for Villager from Kan Kone Village in Salingyi Thabeikkyin Township submitted a Township, Tint Aung Soe, said that the proposal to compensate the damaged lands, Divisional Government promised that they the Ministry of Natural Resources and will report on farmers’ demands in one Environmental Conservation replied that an month. Seven farmers have stated that they agreement had been made between the have refused to give up their 15 acres of Ministry and the Myanmar CNMC Nickel lands that were confiscated for project and Company to compensate farmers for have stated they will not accept damaged lands. However, local farmers said compensation. Other farmers whose lands they have not yet received compensation six were seized without compensation often months later. Divisional Parliament stage protests demanding to receive Representative, Myint Swe, stated that compensation. Operator of the Sabetaung parliament representatives and locals will and Kyisintaung Copper Mine Project, negotiate with Myanmar CNMC Myanmar Yang Tse Copper Mining Nickel Company at the end of November. On (MYTCL), claims that they will give land June 8 and September 22, local farmers compensation if farmers give up all of their staged a protest in the Thabeikkyin lands. In 1987, 6,000 acres of land from 11 Township for compensation. A total of villages were confiscated for the Sabetaung 456.14 acres of land were damaged in and Kyisintaung Copper Mine Project. The Thabeikkyin Township and Htigyaing company has yet to compensate over 2300 Township by loose soil from the Takaung acres out of more than 6000 acres of land Nickel Factory. that were confiscated. (12 November 2017 – 7 Day (11 November 2017 – RFA/Burmese) Daily/Burmese)

Still no Crop Compensation for Sagaing Rangoon Regional Government Bans and Mandalay Division Farmers Peaceful Assembly and Protests in 11 Though the Ministry of Natural Resources Townships and Environmental Conservation and On November 7, Rangoon Region Security officials from Myanmar CNMC Nickel and Border Affairs Minister, Colonel Aung Company (A.K.A. CHINCO) promised in June Soe Moe, issued a directive banning to compensate farmers from Thabeikkyin peaceful assembly and protests in 11 Township, Mandalay Division, and townships in Rangoon: Kyauktada, Htigyaing Townships in Sagaing Division for Pabedan, Latha, Lanmadaw, Botahtaung, damaged lands, farmers have not yet Bahan, Sanchaung, Dagon, Ahlone, Mingalar received compensation. Lands of farmers in Taung Nyunt, and Pazundaung. The these areas have been damaged since 2009 directive, which instructed police to refuse by loose soil from the Takaung Nickel permission to individuals applying to hold Factory operated by Myanmar CNMC peaceful assemblies and protests, cited the Nickel Company. Farmers were possibility of “Public annoyance and compensated 500,000 kyat per acre of anxiety” and “disturbance of traffic” as damaged crops in 2013 but not in other reasons for the indefinite ban. Individuals years. Even though local farmers have applying to hold protests in the 11 submitted letters to the President’s Office,

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townships will be instructed by police to use farmers whose lands were confiscated the Hit Taing field in Tamwe Township. regarding the construction of the Rangoon- (9 November 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese) (9 Mandalay highway in the future. November 2017 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (16 November 2017 – DVB/Burmese) (10 November 2017 - Myanmar Times/Burmese) (10 November 2017 - 7 KRDA’s Report Calls for Suspension of Day Daily/Burmese) (10 November 2017 - Kyaukphyu SEZ and Resolution of Land Myanmar Times)(10 November 2017 - The Issues Irrawaddy)(15 November 2017 - A report published in November by the Reuters)(15 November 2017 - HRW) Kyaukphyu Rural Development Association (KRDA) has criticized the way in which the Pen Myanmar Calls for Release of Government handled the implementation of Journalists Prosecuted Under 66(d) the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone On November 15, at a Peace Poetry (SEZ) in Arakan State, citing its failure to Performance held at the Tawin Centre in resolve disputes over land rights and Rangoon, Pen Myanmar called for the compensation for seized land. More release of all journalists who have been specifically, it also accused Regional and imprisoned or detained under Section 66(d) Union level Officials of failing to protect of the Telecommunications Law. local residents from the abuses committed Addressing the crowd, Pen Myanmar in the implementation of the SEZ. KRDA also Director and poet, Saw Wai, said that the criticized the Government for not resolving law was restricting individuals’ right to previous disputes in the area stemming freedom of expression and being used as “A from other previous Chinese-led weapon for imprisoning and detaining development projects before allowing the writers, poets, journalists, and editors”. implementation of the SEZ. The 4,289 acre (15 November 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese) SEZ was built by a consortium of Chinese (16 November 2017 - Mizzima) corporations with authorization from the Thein Sein-led Government in 2015. In the report, KRDA recommends that the Compensation Given to Farmers for Land Government create plans to redistribute Confiscated for Rangoon-Mandalay land and resettle residents. Highway (23 November 2017 - BNI/Burmese)(24 On November 14, according to the Thazi November 2017 - BNI) Township General Township Administration Department, compensation Local people and Army officer met was given to farmers for the first time for On November 19, local individuals sent a land seizures regarding the construction of letter to Light Infantry battalion #603 the Rangoon-Mandalay highway during a asking for the return of their confiscated ceremony attended by nearly 200 people at land, and for the processing of a permit to the Township Administration Office Hall in work on this land which the army Thazi Township, Mandalay district. 151.07 confiscated in 2004. On November 23, acres of farmland belonging to 198 farmers Burma Army General, Kyaw Naing, and from five villages (Apyauk, Ta Mar Kone, individuals who have had their land Tapyay Wa, Nyaung-I and Kone Taung) in confiscated, met at the Karen Baptist Thazi Township were confiscated. Farmers Church in Late Thoe Town, Thandaung Gyi received 500,000 kyat per acre as Township, Karen State. They met to request compensation. According to Mandalay that the Army also return the rest of the land Division Member of Parliament, San Tun, where an army camp has been built. the Government plans to compensate more

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General, Kyaw Naing, stated that the until Tennesserim Prime Minister Field permission is received from the lawsuit against Tennesserim Journal commander, the land will not be returned. Following Satire Article The meeting was attended by 49 land On November 24, Tennesserim Division owners, civil society representatives, Karen Prime Minister, Dr. Lae Lae Maw, filed a National Union (KNU) representatives, lawsuit against a Tennesserim Journal MP’s, and representative from the Land following a satire article. According to Dr. Conservation and Land Confiscation Lae Lae Maw, the article insulted him and Recovery Committee, Saw Doe Htoo, Labor his family members. The Prime Minister and Land Rights Activist, Myint Soe, and and stated that as the insult was also about his General Kyaw Naing. Aside from writing the family members, this was the reason he filed letter to Battalion #603, the land owners the lawsuit against the journal. A member of have further send reports and complaint the State News Media Council, Myint Kyaw, letters to various Government Ministries, stated that a complaint should be made to and influential people including President U the media council before the Government. Htin Kyaw. On November 28, Tennesserim Journal Staff (26 November 2017 – BNI/Burmese) Member, Han Htet A.K.A Myo Aung, stated that they had not received any official Local people and Army officer met documents stating that the lawsuit had been On November 19, local individuals sent a filed against them. letter to Light Infantry battalion #603 (27 November 2017 – 7 Day asking for the return of their confiscated Daily/Burmese) land, and for the processing of a permit to (27 November 2017 – BBC/Burmese) work on this land which the army (28 November 2017 – Eleven) confiscated in 2004. On November 23, (30 November 2017 – 7 Day Burma Army General, Kyaw Naing, and Daily/Burmese) individuals who have had their land confiscated, met at the Karen Baptist The solider take Kyaw Thein to Kyaung Church in Late Thoe Town, Thandaung Gyi Taw new city Township, Karen State. They met to request On November 19, Kyaw Thein, from that the Army also return the rest of the land Kyauktaw, Arakan State was taken by two where an army camp has been built. Light Infantry Battalion #377 soldiers from General, Kyaw Naing, stated that the until based in Myauk-U Township. His family permission is received from the members said on November 28 that they commander, the land will not be returned. have had no contact with him. The meeting was attended by 49 land (29 November 2017 – BNI/Burmese) owners, civil society representatives, Karen National Union (KNU) representatives, Farmers Protest for the Return of MP’s, and representative from the Land Military Confiscated Land in Yin Mar Pin Conservation and Land Confiscation Township, Sagaing Division Recovery Committee, Saw Doe Htoo, Labor On November 29, around 100 farmers help and Land Rights Activist, Myint Soe, and a protest concerning land confiscated by the General Kyaw Naing. Aside from writing the Military in Yin Mar Pin Township, Sagaing letter to Battalion #603, the land owners Division. Protest leader Daw Than Than Oo have further send reports and complaint stated that in 2003, the military confiscated letters to various Government Ministries, over 50 acres of land from 12 farm owners and influential people including President U to grow Margosa trees. Village Htin Kyaw. Administrator, Soe Win, stated that the (26 November 2017 – BNI/Burmese) army took the land and built a house for an

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amputee solider, during his time as Village Administrator, no one came to complain about the land confiscation, and if someone does complain with he will help with land inspection committee at the village and township level. (29 November 2017 – The Voice/Burmese)

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LEGISLATION AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS

Lower House Approves Bill to Establish Internet Monitoring Body On November 8, the Lower House approved a Bill to establish a body, overseen by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, to monitor public misuse of the internet. The motion was originally brought forward in the Lower House in October by Member of Parliament (MP) from Gangaw Township in Magwe Region, Daw Min Hlaing. (8 November 2017 - BBC/Burmese) (8 November 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (8 November 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese) (8 November 2017 - Eleven/Burmese) (8 November 2017 - DVB)(9 November 2017 - The Irrawaddy) (9 November 2017 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese)(13 November 2017 - Myanmar Times)

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INSTITUTIONAL REFORM

New Prison to Open in Naypyidaw in are currently only nine rehabilitation 2018 centers in Burma and they are not effective. A new prison in Naypyidaw that has been He explained that before the Bill is fully under construction for three years will open approved by Parliament, rehabilitation in 2018. Deputy Director of the Prisons centers will be built in order to be ready for Department, Min Tun Soe, said that a newly the Government’s program. The Bill s built prison in Naypyidaw, which will expected to be approved in 2018 and they accommodate up to 800 detainees who are would collaborate with Ministry of Social on trial, will open in 2018. Currently, Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement to build detainees on trial in the Naypyidaw area are the rehabilitation centers in 14 states and sent to Yamethin Prison, which is located divisions. In Rangoon, a rehabilitation more than an hour away. According to Min center that has already been built will start Tun Soe, the newly built facility will reduce operating within months. security concerns. Of the three new prisons (20 November 2017 – 7 Day being built in Daik-U, Kyaikmayaw and Daily/Burmese) Mohnyin, which each have a capacity of 1000 inmates, the Mohnyin Prison has now been completed and is in use. (04 November 2017 – RFA/Burmese)

Drug Rehabilitation Centers to be Built in Every State and Division in Burma Rehabilitation centers will be built in every state and division in Burma as part of plan to rehabilitate drug users and have them perform community service rather than serving prison sentences. On November 18, at a ceremony at a newly built rehabilitation Center in Rangoon was donated by the Shwe Taung Company to the Government, the Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Doctor Win Myat Aye, reminded the audience that on August 16, the Upper House approved a Bill to amend the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances Law (NDPSL), changing the penalties associated with minor drug- related offences from lengthy prison sentences to community service. He added that since rescue centers and rehabilitation centers are needed, according to the new law, rehabilitation centers will be built nationwide through the Government’s program. Furthermore, he said that there

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REFERENCES

November 1 After Being Sentenced - Interpreter, Driver and Fortify Rights November 3 Two Foreign Journalists Ming Cho Htwe Finally Land Rights Activist Killed Sentenced - The Given Access to Lawyer - Mizzima Irrawaddy After Being Sentenced - 7 Land Rights Activist Killed Michael Kyaw Myint’s Day Daily/Burmese - 7 Day Daily/Burmese Prolonged Trial Continues Over 4 Billion Kyat Given

- Eleven in Compensation for Michael Kyaw Myint’s November 4 Confiscated Farmland in Prolonged Trial Continues New Prison to Open in Naypyidaw - 7DayDaily - The Voice/Burmese Naypyidaw in 2018 - Ming Cho Htwe Finally RFA/Burmese November 8 Given Access to Lawyer Land Rights Activist Killed After Being Sentenced - - FIDH RFA/Burmese November 5 Lower House Approves Ming Cho Htwe Finally Land Rights Activist Killed Bill to Establish Internet Given Access to Lawyer - Mizzima/Burmese Monitoring Body - DVB After Being Sentenced - Kyaukpyu Township Lower House Approves BNI/Burmese Farmers Meet With Vice Bill to Establish Internet Ming Cho Htwe Finally President Over SEZ Issues Monitoring Body - Given Access to Lawyer - Global New Light of BBC/Burmese After Being Sentenced - Myanmar Lower House Approves DVB/Burmese Bill to Establish Internet Monitoring Body - November 6 Irrawaddy/Burmese Kyaukpyu Township November 2 Lower House Approves Farmers Meet With Vice Maing Cho Min Htwe Bill to Establish Internet President Over SEZ Issues Given Access to Lawyer Monitoring Body - - BNI After Being Sentenced - Mizzima/Burmese Proposal Urges BNI Lower House Approves Government to Scrutinize Maing Cho Min Htwe Bill to Establish Internet Land Disputes - Given Access to Lawyer Monitoring Body - RFA/Burmese After Being Sentenced - Eleven/Burmese Proposal Urges Myanmar Times Ming Cho Htwe Finally Government to Scrutinize Given Access to Lawyer Land Disputes - The Farmers Affairs After Being Sentenced - Voice/Burmese Committee Calls for Myanmar Times/Burmese Proposal Urges Amendment to Land Land Rights Activist Killed Government to Scrutinize Acquisition Act - Myanmar - RFA Land Disputes - Times/Burmese Land Rights Activist Killed Eleven/Burmese November 9 Maing Cho Min Htwe - RFA/Burmese Given Access to Lawyer November 7 After Being Sentenced - Interpreter, Driver and Maing Cho Min Htwe Burma Campaign UK Two Foreign Journalists Given Access to Lawyer Land Rights Activist Killed Sentenced - RFA/Burmese - Reuters

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Land Rights Activist Killed Sentenced - Sentenced - 7 Day - Irrawaddy/Burmese Irrawaddy/Burmese Daily/Burmese Lower House Approves Interpreter, Driver and Salingyi Township Bill to Establish Internet Two Foreign Journalists Farmers Demand Land Monitoring Body - The Sentenced - Compensation - Irrawaddy Mizzima/Burmese RFA/Burmese Lower House Approves Interpreter, Driver and Bill to Establish Internet Two Foreign Journalists Monitoring Body - 7 Day Sentenced - Myanmar November 12 Daily/Burmese Times/Burmese Man Accused of Unlawful Interpreter, Driver and Rangoon Regional Association for Launching Two Foreign Journalists Government Bans Balloon - DVB/Burmese Sentenced - Peaceful Assembly and Still no Crop Mizzima/Burmese Protests in 11 Townships - Compensation for Sagaing Court Denies Aung Ko Myanmar Times Rangoon and Mandalay Division Htwe’s Bail Request - Regional Government Farmers - RFA/Burmese Bans Peaceful Assembly 7DayDaily/Burmese Myanmar Times and Protests in 11 Rangoon Regional Townships - The Government Bans Irrawaddy November 13 Peaceful Assembly and Rangoon Regional Interpreter, Driver and Protests in 11 Townships - Government Bans Two Foreign Journalists Mizzima/Burmese Peaceful Assembly and Sentenced - Myanmar Rangoon Regional Protests in 11 Townships - Times Government Bans Myanmar Times/Burmese Man Accused of Unlawful Peaceful Assembly and Rangoon Regional Association for Launching Protests in 11 Townships - Government Bans Balloon - BNI/Burmese 7 Day Daily/Burmese Peaceful Assembly and Land Rights Activist Killed Protests in 11 Townships - - Reuters 7 Day Daily/Burmese Lower House Approves November 10 Land Rights Activist Killed Bill to Establish Internet Interpreter, Driver and - VOA/Burmese Monitoring Body - Two Foreign Journalists NLD Party Member Myanmar Times Students Sentenced - The Released After Serving Forcibly Recruited by KIA Irrawaddy Sentence - Released - BBC/Burmese Interpreter, Driver and Eleven/Burmese Students Forcibly Two Foreign Journalists Recruited by KIA Released Sentenced - DVB - RFA/Burmese Interpreter, Driver and November 11 Two Foreign Journalists Michael Kyaw Myint’s Sentenced - Myanmar Prolonged Trial Continues November 14 Now - Eleven Man Accused of Unlawful Interpreter, Driver and Interpreter, Driver and Association for Launching Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists Balloon - DVB Sentenced - RFA/Burmese Sentenced - Mizzima KWAT and Fortify Rights Interpreter, Driver and Interpreter, Driver and Call for Release of Kachin Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists Human Rights Defender - Sentenced - VOA/Burmese Sentenced - Eleven Fortify Rights Interpreter, Driver and Interpreter, Driver and Interpreter, Driver and Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists

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Sentenced - Frontier Interpreter, Driver and November 20 Myanmar Two Foreign Journalists Michael Kyaw Myint’s Compensation Given to Sentenced - Prolonged Trial Continues Farmers for Land Irrawaddy/Burmese - Eleven/Burmese Confiscated for Rangoon- Interpreter, Driver and Bail Revoked for Ten Mandalay Highway - Two Foreign Journalists Farmers by Taungoo DVB/Burmese Sentenced - District Court - The Mizzima/Burmese Voice/Burmese Interpreter, Driver and Interpreter, Driver and November 15 Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists Myanmar Times Rangoon Sentenced - The Sentenced - Regional Government Voice/Burmese Mizzima/Burmese Bans Peaceful Assembly Interpreter, Driver and and Protests in 11 Two Foreign Journalists Townships - Reuters November 23 Sentenced - Pen Myanmar Calls for KRDA’s Report Calls for Eleven/Burmese Release of Journalists Suspension of Kyaukphyu Pen Myanmar Calls for Prosecuted Under 66(d) - SEZ and Resolution of Release of Journalists Mizzima/Burmese Land Issues - Prosecuted Under 66(d) - Rangoon Regional BNI/Burmese Mizzima Government Bans Students Forcibly Peaceful Assembly and Recruited by KIA Released November 24 Protests in 11 Townships - - The Voice/Burmese KRDA’s Report Calls for HRW Suspension of Kyaukphyu SEZ and Resolution of November 16 November 17 Land Issues - BNI Interpreter, Driver and Interpreter, Driver and SHRF Appeals for Charges Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists to be Dropped Against Sentenced - The Sentenced - Mizzima Nine Ho Pong Farmers - Irrawaddy Interpreter, Driver and BNI/Burmese Interpreter, Driver and Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists Sentenced - 7 Day November 26 Sentenced - DVB Daily/Burmese Former Political Interpreter, Driver and Interpreter, Driver and Prisoner’s Art Featured in Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists Storybook - The Sentenced - Frontier Sentenced - Myanmar Irrawaddy Myanmar Times/Burmese

Interpreter, Driver and Farmers Affairs Two Foreign Journalists Committee Calls for November 27 Sentenced - VOA Amendment to Land Interpreter, Driver, and Interpreter, Driver and Acquisition Act - 7 Day Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists Daily/Burmese Sentenced - The Sentenced - DVB/Burmese Irrawaddy Interpreter, Driver and November 18 Interpreter, Driver, and Two Foreign Journalists Bail Revoked for Ten Two Foreign Journalists Sentenced - RFA/Burmese Farmers by Taungoo Sentenced - DVB Interpreter, Driver and District Court - The Interpreter, Driver, and Two Foreign Journalists Voice/Burmese Two Foreign Journalists Sentenced - VOA/Burmese Sentenced - Mizzima

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Interpreter, Driver, and Interpreter, Driver, and Sentenced - Myanmar Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists Times Sentenced - RFA Sentenced - BBC/Burmese Interpreter, Driver, and Interpreter, Driver, and Interpreter, Driver, and Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists Sentenced - Frontier Sentenced - DVB/Burmese Sentenced - RFA/Burmese Myanmar Interpreter, Driver, and Interpreter, Driver, and SHRF Appeals for Charges Two Foreign Journalists Two Foreign Journalists to be Dropped Against Sentenced - Sentenced - VOA/Burmese Nine Ho Pong Farmers - Irrawaddy/Burmese SHRF Interpreter, Driver, and November 28 SHRF Appeals for Charges Two Foreign Journalists Interpreter, Driver, and to be Dropped Against Sentenced - Two Foreign Journalists Nine Ho Pong Farmers - Mizzima/Burmese BNI/Burmese

For more Information contact: Ko Tate Naing Secretary +95(0) 94280 23828 Ko Bo Kyi Joint Secretary +66(0) 81 9628 713

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