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Home , Amarapura, Pyigyidagun Township

June OCTOBER CHRONOLOGY

2018 Summary of the Current Three Journalists from Eleven Media Arrested under Penal Code Situation: Accessed October 2018 © Voice of America

290 individuals are oppressed

in Burma due to political activity:

28 political prisoners are

serving sentences,

54 are awaiting trial inside prison,

208 are awaiting trial outside

prison.

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ACRONYMS

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ABFSU All Burma Federation of Student Unions CAT Conservation Alliance Tanawthari CNPC National Petroleum Corporation EAO Ethnic Armed Organization GEF Global Environment Facility ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross IDP Internally Displaced Person KHRG Karen Human Rights Group KIA Kachin Independence Army KNU Karen National Union MFU Farmers’ Union MNHRC Myanmar National Human Rights Commission MOGE Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise NLD National League for Democracy NNC Naga National Council PAPPL Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law RCSS Restoration Council of RCSS/SSA Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army – South SHRF Shan Human Rights Foundation TNLA Ta’ang National Liberation Army YUSU Yangon University Students’ Union

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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POLITICAL PRISONERS ...... 4 CHARGES ...... 4 ARRESTS ...... 5 TRIALS ...... 6 SENTENCES ...... 7 CONDITIONS OF IMPRISONMENT ...... 7 FORMER POLITICAL PRISONERS ...... 8

RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS ...... 9 LAND RIGHTS...... 11

REFERENCES ...... 15

POLITICAL PRISONERS

CHARGES

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Arakan Social Activist Charged under because their article prompted “public 68(a) distrust in the company, as well as On October 1 Myo Lwin was charged under dishonoring the regional government”. Section 68(a) of the Telecommunications Kyee Myint, the defenses lawyer, accused Law for allegedly posting a fabricated the Yangon Regional Government of trying report on dead clams. According to Myo to destroy the entire newsroom by Lwin, millions of dead clams were found in arresting its senior editors. On October 11 a tributary that flows into Kyaukpyu and the Myanmar Press Council (MPC) issued a Ann Townships, Arakan State. Local statement denouncing the Yangon Regional residents have long feared that water Government charge against the journalists. pollution is responsible for this Aung Kyaw Khaing, the plaintiff and destruction, though the Government director of Rangoon government office, officially says that the clams died due to an however, said “the facts written by Phyo influx of freshwater from the monsoons. Wai are incorrect”. On October 19 with the The Deputy General Administrator journalists released on bail the Yangon instructed the Arakan State Government to Regional Government requested that the file the charges. The Police Chief of Ann Press Council require Eleven Media to Myoma Police Station carried out the publish an apology for its “incorrect story”. charge. This followed President U Win Myint saying that the Yangon Regional Government should submit their dispute Yangon Regional Government Brings under Section 22 of Press Council Law Charges Against Eleven Media before ever pressing charges. On October Journalists 26 the three journalists were granted bail On October 10, three senior journalists at for 1,000,000kyats ($630) each. Eleven Media were charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code. A lawsuit Four Protest Leaders Who Supported Fu brought by the Yangon Regional Yun Labour Strike Charged Government for publishing “incorrect On October 8, Aung Myint, Myat Kyaw, information” about the Government. The Kyaw Moe, and Thet Myo Aung were lawsuit relates to an article published in charged at Kyauktada Police Station under The Weekly Eleven on October 8 by Phyo Section 199 of the PAPPL, for supporting Wai Win saying that Rangoon ministers the Fu Yun labour strike. The four men Nilar Kyaw and Myint Thaung holds shares protested on October 7 in front of the in Yangon Metropolitan Development Public, Mahar Bandula park for the 30 female in which the Yangon Regional Government has labor leaders who were fired. The strike at 51% of the shares. The article also criticised Fu Yun Garment Factory began when they the business ventures of the Region Chief dismissed the 30 representatives for the Minister, Phyo Min Thein. Managing workers labor movement. editors Kyaw Zaw Lin, Nari Min, and chief reporter Phyo Wai Win were summoned to Two CNF Soldiers Charged Under the the Tamwe Police Station to testify to their Unlawful Association Act for Training role before being charged under Section With KIA 505(b) on October 10. If found guilty they On October 23, Police Lieutenant Kyaw face up to two years in prison. In a Win Naing from Rangoon charged two Chin statement released by the Yangon Regional National Front soldiers, Salai Naing Tun Government on October 11 it said that they and Aung Yan Lin for attending basic brought charges against the journalists training for four months with the KIA in Lai

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Zar. They were charged under Section String of Arkanese Student Activists 17(1) of the Unlawful Association Act. The Arrested in Sittwe two men live in No.2 street in December On October 9, Arakanese social activist Housing Compound, Southern Dagon Aung Zaw Lin was arrested in Sittwe whilst Myothit Township. The two men joined the returning from University. A friend of his CNF in September 2017 and attended the spoke on condition of anonymity to the KIA training course in October this year. Irrawaddy, confirming his arrest by the The fleed Defense Service Academy (DFA) police. Aung Zaw Lin was taken to Sittwe’s because they didn’t want to serve in the No.1 police station. The arrest comes after armed forces and wanted to go to police questioned him on September 26 in University, according to the police report. regards to the death of a Military intelligence Corporal, Win Htike. Aung Zaw Lin is the Arakan Youth Conference’s NLD Party Spokesperson, Dr. Myo representative for Buthidaung Township. Nyunt, Charged by MP Tin Aung Tun On October 10, May Yu Tun was arrested in

front of Lawkanandar and taken to On October 23 former member of the NLD, Sittwe’s No.1 police station. May Yu Tun is Magway Division Lower House MP, Tin a member of of the Arakan National Party. Aung Tun charged Dr. Myo Nyunt under On October 11 Khine Bo Bo a.k.a Khine Section 10 of the Law Protecting the Thaw, a final year university student, was Privacy and Security of the Citizen, at arrested by police and taken to Pauktaw Minbu Police Station. Tin Aung Tun police station for questioning. Narinjara charged Dr. Myo Nyunt for telling the Media has reported that the police are media that two Lower House MPs, investigating at least eight suspects in an including Tin Aung Tun wanted to leave the alleged connection with the military Party, saying that this severely affected his corporal’s murder. The three Arkanese dignity. student activist were remanded for a

further two week on October 22, having Two Protesters Charged Under Section already been in custody for a two weeks. 20 of PAPPL Kyauktada Township Police Station has Two Men Arrested Whilst Delivering charged two central committee members Pamphlets in Support of Fu Yun Factory of the Movement for Democracy Current Strike Force (MDCF), Thet Zin and Kyaw Zin Lat, On October 16, All Burma Federation of under Section 20 of PAPPL. The two Student Union (ABFSU) members, Ninn allegedly held a protest regarding the Aung and Wai Yan were wearing masks International Criminal Court (ICC) delivering pamphlets when they were recommendation for action to be taken arrested by a group. Thet Htar Swe, from against Burma’s Generals. The two men the Fu Yun Factory’s Labor Union said that held a protest in front of the two men were arrested by Sanchaung park in central Rangoon. They two received Township Police. bail, the verdict is expected soon said another member of the MDCF central Four Arrested Villagers in Bhamaw committee, Mart Gyi. Released, Though Six Remain Detained

On October 22, local villagers said the ARRESTS Military released four of the ten villagers it had detained whilst fighting with the KIA in

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Bhamaw Township, . Bhamaw was ridiculed by villagers for admitting MP Zaw Thin announced that the Military that she did not know how to run her ward, had detained the villagers to serve as an apparent allusion to a comment made guides in an area unfamiliar to them. Di by the region’s chief minister to local media Hkaung, Chief of Khuk village said that that she did not know how to run the the the four released villagers were government. If found guilty there can be a detained whilst working in their corn minimum fine of 300,000kyats ($188) up fields. The Military and KIA clashed near a to 1,000,000kyats ($628) for “deliberately KIA post in the area, Light Infantry affecting the reputation of a specific person Battalion #250 reportedly detained the or an organisation, if not concerned with villagers on October 16 and 17. The public interests and human rights”. On Military seized the post on October 18. The October 18 the three journalists arrived at six remaining detainees were from a Lisu Tarmwe Township Court where according village and include a 10-year old boy. to defense lawyer, Kyi Myint, they applied for bail, submitted evidence, and other documents. On October 26, the Supreme Military Arrest 15 Residents Including Court in Nay Pyi Taw rejected an appeal to KBC’s Religious Leader drop the charge filed on August 14. The On October 24, Military troops based in case will continue in Dawei Township Myitkyina arrested Cham Loiq (Lacham) Court. Hkawng Nyoi, a Kachin Baptist Convention leader, as well as 15 residents from Nam San Yang village. Hkawng Nyoi is a minister Mrauk-U Protestors Released on Bail at the Hpung Mai Yang Church in On October 9 eight ethnic Arakanese youth Waingmaw Township, confirmed another detained in connection with the January KBC leader. The KBC leader said that Mrauk-U protests were released on bail. On themself and Hkawng Nyoi were arrested September 24 Kyaw Win Naing, Kyaw Min on their way to Waingmaw Township on Soe, U Than Zaw, Aung Kyaw Myint, Shwe the Laiza-Nam San Yang road. The 15 Maung, Aung Htay, Tun Kyaw Sein, and included eight women and seven men, and Kyaw Kyaw Naing were found guilty of were KBC religious leaders, war refugees, breaching Article 6(1) of the Penal Code for drivers, motorcycle taxi drivers, and allegedly destroying government property travellers from the border with China. and public assets. While they thought they were to be released for time already TRIAL served,on the same day the of the trial Tanintharyi Journal Charged Under when it was announced they were to be News Media Law for Satirical Piece freed, they were charged under Section 16 On October 1 the weekly Tanintharyi of the Union Flag Law. Then on October 9, Journal was charged by the Dawei the Mrauk-U Township Court ruled that the Township court in eight youths will not be tried under Section under Article 25(b) of the Media Law for a 16 of the Union Flag Law. Soon after this satirical piece published in the Journals the police charged them under Section 332 November 20 issue. The piece titled which describes “causing harm to a public “Electioneering Smile” allegedly servant on duty” and 333 which describes satirised regional Chief Minister Lei Lei “causing grievous harm to a public servant Maw and in complaint filed last November on duty” of the Penal Code. Bail of said this damaged the Government’s 500,000kyats ($315) each with two dignity. The piece described how a woman

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guarantors was granted following these recognising the loss of the Arkanese new charges. Kingdom.

Two Kachin Activists’ Appeal Rejected Maha Aungmye Court Conditionally On October 15 two activist, Zau Jat and Releases Farmers Lum Zawng, had their appeal rejected by On October 26, Maha Aungmye Township the Kachin State High Court. They are two Court conditionally released three farmers of the three Kachin activists charged under and three supporters who were arrested Article 500 of the Penal Code for leading a for a plow protest, near the Irrawaddy protest to free residents trapped within the river in Maha Aungmye Township, Kachin conflict area. Division. In 1995, the Military confiscated 10 acres of land from U Thoung, Gjuk Htaw, Paunt Sa, Tin Htay, and SENTENCES Myint Myint San for construction purposes. Aung Ko Htwe Acquitted For Alleged The farmers began cultivation on five acres Constitution Protest of land not under construction on August 7, On October 30 former child soldier for 2017 and there was no response from Military, Aung Ko Htwe was acquitted of authorities. On October 7, 2016 Maritime violating Section 7 of the Union Seal Law, Police troops charged six farmers under for allegedly standing on a copy of the Section 447 of the Penal Code at Maha constitution during a protest. The trial was Aungmye Township court. The land had held in Rangoon’s Botahtaung Township. been transferred to these troops but the The lawyer for the accused, Robert San farmers were not informed of this. Aung said that “the court did not find that he stepped on the constitution and the prosecutor could not even prove that he CONDITIONS OF stepped on the book”. He later said his IMPRISONMENT plans were to write to President U Win Police Say Former High Court Lawyer Myint urging his client to be absolved of his Zaw Win Was Not Assaulted in Custody standing conviction under 505b. Police Lieutenant Major Myo Aung from Aung Than Wai Sentenced for 6 Months Mandalay has said that former High Court On October 26 Aung Than Wai was lawyer, Zaw Win, was not physically sentenced to six months imprisonment for violated when they investigated him. Zaw criticising former Secretary Win was charged by Lieutenant Ting Maung Swe. Aung Than Wai was Administrator Kyaw Soe under four sentenced under Section 10 of The Law sections of the Penal Code including Protecting the Privacy and Security of Section 505(b) at Citizens, and Section 506 of the Penal Code. Court. Zaw Win was also charged for Each count carried a six month sentence disrespecting the court by throwing his but the court decided that the terms will be slipper in protest at the judge while at a served concurrently. Aung Than Wai was hearing in Court. In charged following a facebook post September he was charged under Section criticising the State Government for the 228 of the Penal Code at Pyigyidagun Mrauk-U riots. 7 were killed and 12 injured Police Station. On September 26, Zaw Win after “security agencies” attacked a protest said he was assaulted by the Police Lieutenant and 2nd Lieutenant when under

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interrogation for insulting the police. The Yangon. According to his family he passed police lieutenants asked the prison guards away at 6pm in his home from a long term to leave, before they assaulted Zaw Win. illness, he was 96. He had been Chairman of the Mon National Party, and had served under General Aung San. In more recent FORMER POLITICAL times, Nai Ngwe Thein was sentenced to 21 PRISONERS years in 1990, though this was later Mon Leader and Former Political commuted. Though, against in 1998 he was Prisoner, Nai Ngwe Thein Dies Aged 96 sentenced to seven years for writing a On October 2, politician and lifelong letter to to New Party advising activist Nai Ngwe Thein passed away in them to not sign the ceasefire agreement.

RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS Battalion #66 Troops Seize Food and Township, Muse Tract, Northern Shan More from Mong Ko Villagers State. They took rice, oil, salt, and chickens On September 22, soldiers from Military from the residents, said the villagers. This Battalion #66 arrived in Mong Ko lasted for one week, the Military troops

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took food and other essentials from the for allegedly informing on EAO groups villagers without paying any money. fighters to the Military for extorting money Villagers have thus endured financial from local businesses. One TNLA soldier hardships due to this. was later killed and another arrested by the Military. TNLA spokesman Mai Aik Kyaw announced the sentencing to the UWSA Releases Some Christian Leaders, Irrawaddy. Nang Mo Hom was abducted by Expels Others the TNLA from her home in Namhkam Following reports of the UWSA releasing Township in northern Shan State on some of the detained Christian minority August 17. Her relatives have been unable population, Reverend Samson, chairman of to visit since the abduction. AAPP released the Kachin Baptist Convention told the a statement on September 27 condemning Irrawaddy that the UWSA still holds ethnic the arbitrary arrest and detention of Nang Lahu religious leaders. He spoke to the Mo Hom. On October 10 the Federal Peace Irrawaddy on October 9 telling them that Negotiation Consultative Committee some 60 members of the Kachin Baptist (FPNCC) issued a joint statement with Shan Convention we released over the past social organisations which said Nang Mo weeks. Though UWSA spokesperson Nyi Hom would be released because of the Rang said he was not aware of these request made by family members and Shan developments. Last month the UWSA civil society. This followed TNLA detained some 200 members of the Kachin representatives meeting with the FPNCC in Baptist Convention and the Lahu Baptist Panghsang for negotiations between the Convention in a crackdown on Christian TNLA and Shan civil society organisations. congregations in its territory. The UWSA On October 17 Nang Mo Hom was sent says it closed the churches and began back to her family in Namkham by the detaining Christians to “combat religious SSPP/SSA after being transferred into their extremism”. On October 10 the UWSA care by the TNLA in Wan Hai, Shan State. released a statement saying that all 92 of Lahu’s religious leaders have now been released. Though, according to a Three Farmers in Yebyu Township representative of the Lahu community, Beaten by KNU Troops more than 40 Christian students remain in On October 8 KNU troops assaulted Naing detention. Lahu Baptist Convention leader Alin, Naing Soe Win, and Naing Lin in Reverend Lazarus has said the released Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Division. The Christians “had to promise that they would soldiers assaulted the three men with guns, not read the bible or pray anymore when knives, punches, and kicks. Moreover, they they returned home”. On October 15 Wa were threatened that they should not leave State Army officials arrived at a town in the the farm to report what happened or they Wa hills issuing the eplusion of clergy who would be killed, said the Administrator, arrived in the region after 1992. Two Naing Tin San a.k.a Naing Ayan. The case priests and three nuns from the Missionary has been reported to MPs in Dawei Town. Society of St Paul and three teachers were ordered to leave. Some 40 Villagers in Kutkai Township Detained by TNLA Nang Mo Hom Found Guilty by TNLA to On October 27, approximately 200 TNLA be Released soldiers detained 30 palaung ethnic On October 5 the TNLA sentenced ethnic villagers and 10 Mong Wun ethnic villagers Shan Nang Mo Hom to three years in prison for recruitment purposes in Shout Haw

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village in Kutkai Township, Northern Shan State. Conflict has been ongoing between the TNLA and the RCSS/SSA, this is the reason for villagers from Namatu Township fleeing their homes.

LAND RIGHTS Farmers and Mandalay Business Capital City Project that belonged to City Development (MBCCD) Clash Over the 39 farmers. The project began with the Amarapura City Project implementation of 2,500 acres of land in On October 2, 20 residents tried to fence 2016. The farmers were stopped from off land in protest over the MBCCD adding fencing off the land by the company. approximately 70 acres of land to the Resident, Soe Tint, said that this land was

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given to the farmers by authorities back in its planned construction near Aung Tha 1985. Pyay village. On October 5 a riot broke out between police and farmers after the project expanded onto the residents road. Laikha Locals Oppose Coal Mining Project On September 29 more than 700 civilians President Urges Magway Department to and monks from 27 village tracts came Solve the Land Disputes Without together to demonstrate a planned coal Grievances mining project in Laikha’s Hton Yeing area, On October 6, President U Win Myint told Shan State. The project plans to take over department officers in Magway Townhall 1,300 acres of paddy field land. A leader of that solving the issue of confiscated land the protest, Abbot U Tay Zaniya said that without any level of corruption is “the people don’t agree and they oppose it, imperative to making sure farmers are not but the companies say they will dig for coal left with any grievances. Six farmland even though locals don’t agree with it”. The disputes are ongoing, over 200 cases have abbot went on to say that this proposed been to court. project could cause air and water pollution and damage the local environment as the Farmers in Request proposed site is located upstream from a Confiscated Farmland be Returned water source used by locals. Laikha’s MP, On October 6 some 30 farmers held a press Sai Kyaw Zayya, has said the issue has been conference demanding the return of over raised with Parliaments Natural Resource 600 acres of farmland confiscate by the Maintenance Committee. The committee Department of Agriculture and Irrigation in has said it will carry out a field Madaya Tract in Pyin Oo Lwin Township, investigation. Mandalay Division. Farmer Bo Thaung said that his land was confiscated and he wants all of it returned. Authorities confiscated 300 Acres of Farmland Confiscated by 100 acres of his land but have only been

Prison Directorate to be Returned returned 70 acres. The 600 acres of On October 3 MP Aung Win announced that farmland belonged to some 130 farmers over 300 acres of farmland in Myebon who received no compensation, said the Township, Arakan State which was farmers. The land was confiscated in 1985- confiscated by the Prison Directorate 86 by the Department of Agriculture and Department will be returned to original Irrigation. The farmers have only been farmers. In 2004 the Prison Directorate allowed to cultivate the land since 2015. Department confiscated some 40 farmer’s farmland to use for a prison labour camp, but the camp was closed in 2008, however Farmers Protest Damage Caused in the land was not returned to the farmers Magway then. On October 7, around 200 farmers held a protest in front of Magway Township Hall calling for compensation for loss of Aung Tha Pyay Villagers Hold Protest in farmland due to the Thaphanseik Dam Rangoon Project, Magway-Natmauk Railway Project, On October 9 approximately 20 villagers the Shwe Natural Gas and Myanmar-China from Aung Tha Pyay in Oil Transport Project. In total, over 300 Township, Mandalay Division protested the acres of farmland was damaged. The coal cement factory project in Rangoon for Thaphanseik Dam which was started in

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2001. The Shwe Natural Gas and Myanmar- On October 9, 62 farmers and Nawnghkio China Oil Transport project commenced in MPs met at the Shan Nationalities League 2007. The Magway-Natmauk railway for Democracy (SNLD) office regarding the project was started in 2012. fact that farmers have not received their compensation for confiscated land in Kyaukme Tract, Northern Shan State. It Farmers Still Not Received Land Left to was agreed by the Government that 20- Pyin Oo Lwin Department Four Years 30,000,000kyats ($12,450-18,800) would Ago be given as compensation per acre to the On October 7, residents held a press farmers. In actual fact, 10,000,000kyats conference saying that 75 acres of ($6,220) was given. Therefore according to abandoned land in Ngwe Taung village in SNLD Chairman, Sai Aung Mai, the farmers Pyin Oo Lwin Tract, Mandalay Division has will take action according to the law. not been returned to them. In 1973, Oriental Highway Company (OHC) was Military Battalion #121 confiscated the responsible for the project which caused farmers land, though the land was 169 acres of of land confiscation in transferred to Pyin Oo Lwin Tract Kyaukme Township, and 329 acres of land Department of General Administration on in Nawngkio Town. In total, 498 acres of April 25, 2014. Four years later the land land. has still not been returned to the farmers.

Return of over 300 Acres Confiscated Residents in Pyay Tract Demand Land in Ann Township to Original Compensation and Protection Under Farmers Law On October 11, a ceremony was held in On October 8, over 20 residents gathered Shwe Ann Aung Hall, Arakan State to in front of Pyay Tract General recognize to returning of 300 acres of Administration to protest for confiscated land to its original farmers. The compensation at market price for land land was confiscated for food sufficiency. In confiscated to construct a golf course, and 1999, Light Infantry Battalion #373 protection under the law . Around 1996-97 confiscated the 300 acres of land which Military Battalion #66 based in Thegon belonged to 41 farmers from Kyaung Township confiscated 75 acres of land Myaung village group in Ann Township. belonging to 19 farmers. The land was Temporary land titles were issued to the turned into a golf course in 1998. The case original farmers for all confiscated land in has been reported to successive the ceremony. At the ceremony Arakan Government’s but as yet no one is taking State Chief Minister Nyi Pu said his responsibility said resident Myint Htoo. He government will continue to grant land went on to say that they want ownership titles to its farmers. compensation for their land at market price because they have faced significant difficulties, including with providing Farmers Across Six Townships in Bago children with education possibilities. They Hold Conference on Land Issues have not received any compensation On October 12, over 300 farmers from despite this 20 year ordeal. Nyaunglebin, Shwegyin, Kyauktaga, Kyaukkyi, Daik-U, and Bago Townships 62 Farmers Have Yet to Receive Land held a conference calling for the return of Compensation from Gote Twinn Road confiscated land, and an end to land and Project agricultural disputes in Bago. The farmers

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have said there has been no progress in though the Township Land Re Scrutiny solving these problems despite the Committee has returned only 20% of reporting of cases to the Union Chief confiscated land to the farmers according Minister, Division Governments, and MPs, to Khin Mg Tun. In May 2018 the Military in accordance with the law. The outcomes allocated the 218 acres of land amongst 37 from the conference will be presented to farmers, providing temporary land the President, said the Secretary of the ownership titles. However, the 16 original National Farmers Union, Zaw Yan. farmland owners were not included and Furthermore, farm right activist, Tin Zaw rejected this allocation and demanding the Win, said that if there is no effective return of their land. outcome from the Government, then the farmers will resort to street protests. Confiscated Land Returned in Magway Division Practically All Complaints to Karen On October 29, 31 acres of confiscated land Government Concern Land Rights was returned to its 18 original farmers in On October 12, the Chairman of Yan Aung Chaung, Kyaung Makone, Guarantees, Pledges, Undertakings Vetting, Minkone, and Kanma villages. The land was Complaints, and Pleas Committee, Saw Hla confiscated for the railway construction. Myint, announced that land issue 460 acres of land across 15 villagers was complaints amount to 99% of all confiscated in 1981 for railway complaints sent by the public to the Karen construction. The compensation will total State Government. Land rights cases often 778,000,000kyats ($483,290) for the 444 arise from issues with the Military, the acres according to MP Zaw Win. Government, EAOs, and private companies. The complaint committee received some Farmers from Khin-U and Tant Se 99 complaints from January to July 2018. It Townships Hold Protest March to has finalised four, transferred eight to Monywa different departments, and is currently in On October 29 farmers from Khin-U and processing 87. The Guarantees, Pledges, Tant Se Townships in Sagaing Division held Undertakings Vetting, Complaints, and a protest march to the Sagaing Division Pleas Committee was established in Government office in Monywa Town calling February 2016 to “solve public sufferings”. for the return of confiscated land. Farmers held this protest due to the Chief Minister’s Farmers Hold Press Conference in Department’s confiscation in Acttaw village Mandalay to Discuss Township Failure in Tant Se Township, and Northern to Return Confiscated Land Monetaw village in Khin-U Township On October 25 farmers held a press which was then sold to the Union of conference at the Mandalay Media Center Myanmar Economic Holding Limited to address the fact that the Township (UMEHL). According to a villager, Khin Mg Farmland or Re Scrutiny Committee has Tun, the farmers had tried various methods not returned all confiscated land in Myitta to continue cultivation. But the Division Township, Mandalay. The Military has Government’s Land Scrutiny Committee returned the farmland to the Township has said they cannot return the confiscated already. In 1995-96, Military headquarters land. confiscated over 218 acres from 16 farmers for a multi-purpose agriculture farm. The land was returned in 2017,

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1,000 Acres of Confiscated Land been given land ownership titles for 1107 Returned to Farmers in Pyin Oo Lwin acres. The temporary land ownership titles On October 30, over 1,000 acres of have been given to 124 farmers across Mai confiscated land was returned in a Dai, Sanpal Nago, and Phokone villages. ceremony held at City Hall in The ceremony was attended by Vice Pyin Oo Lwin Tract, Mandalay Division. The President Henry Van Thio, Vice Ministers, land was confiscated to expand the and Chief Minister of Mandalay Division Battalion there. The Military has since Government. returned 2590 acres, but farmers have only

REFERENCES

POLITICAL PRISONERS Narinjara) (8 October 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) CHARGES  Yangon Regional Government  Arakan Social Activist Charged Brings Charges Against Eleven under 68(a) Media Journalists (7 October 2018 - 7 Day (9 October 2018 - Daily/Burmese) (8 October 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (9 October 2018 -

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Irrawaddy/Burmese) (10 October 2018 - Narinjara) (11 October 2018 2018 - Frontier Myanmar) (10 - Narinjara) (15 October 2018 - October 2018 - The Irrawaddy) (10 BNI/Burmese) (22 October 2018 - October 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (11 Narinjara) (22 October 2018 - October 2018 - Eleven Myanmar) Irrawaddy/Burmese) (11 October 2018 - The Irrawaddy)  Two Men Arrested Whilst (11 October 2018 - Delivering Pamphlets in Support Mizzima/Burmese) (12 October of Fu Yun Factory Strike 2018 - Eleven Myanmar) (12 (16 October 2018 - The October Mizzima) (18 October 2018 Voice/Burmese) - Myanmar Times) (18 October  Four Arrested Villagers in 2018 - The Irrawaddy) (19 October Bhamaw Released, Though Six 2018 - Myanmar Times) (19 Remain Detained October 2018 - Mizzima) (22 (22 October 2018 - VOA/Burmese) October 2018 - The Irrawaddy) (26 (23 October 2018 - Myanmar October 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (29 Times) (29 October 2018 - Network October 2018 - Myanmar Times) Media Group)  Four Protest Leaders Who  Military Arrest 15 Residents Supported Fu Yun Labour Strike Including KBC’s Religious Leader Charged (26 October 2018 - Kachin (9 October 2018 - News/Burmese) Popular/Burmese)  Two CNF Soldiers Charged Under TRIAL the Unlawful Association Act for  Tanintharyi Journal Charged Training With KIA Under News Media Law for (24 October 2018 - Myanmar Satirical Piece Times/Burmese) (25 October 2018 (1 October 2018 - The - RFA/Burmese) Irrawaddy) (1 October 2018 -  NLD Party Spokesperson, Dr. Myo BBC/Burmese) (1 October 2018 - Nyunt, Charged by MP Tin Aung Irrawaddy/Burmese) (3 October Tun 2018 - Myanmar Times) (27 (25 October 2018 - DVB/Burmese) October 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese)  Two Protesters Charged Under  Mrauk-U Protestors Released on Section 20 of PAPPL Bail (30 October 2018 - 7 Day (9 October 2018 - DVB/Burmese) (9 Daily/Burmese) October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (10 October 2018 - The Irrawaddy) (10 October 2018 - Narinjara) (10 ARRESTS October 2018 -  String of Arkanese Student Irrawaddy/Burmese) Activists Arrested in Sittwe  Two Kachin Activists’ Appeal (9 October 2018 - The Irrawaddy) Rejected (9 October 2018 - The (15 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) Voice/Burmese) (10 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (10 October 2018 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (11 October SENTENCES

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 Aung Ko Htwe Acquitted For Mizzima/Burmese) (9 October Alleged Constitution Protest 2018 - The Irrawaddy) (11 October (2 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) 2018 - Mizzima) (11 October 2018 - (30 October 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (12 October 2018 - Eleven/Burmese) (31 October 2018 The Irrawaddy) (12 October 2018 - - The Irrawaddy) (31 October 2018 Network Media Group) (12 October - The Voice/Burmese) 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (13 October  Aung Than Wai Sentenced for 6 2018 - RFA/Burmese) Months  Nang Mo Hom Found Guilty by (26 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) TNLA to be Released (26 October 2018 - (8 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (9 Irrawaddy/Burmese) (27 October October 2018 - The Irrawaddy) (9 2018 - Mizzima) October 2018 -  Maha Aungmye Court Mizzima/Burmese) (10 October Conditionally Releases Farmers 2018 - Mizzima) (10 October 2018 - (28 October 2018 - Myanmar Irrawaddy/Burmese) (11 October Times/Burmese) 2018 - Mizzima) (13 October 2018 - Mizzima/Burmese) (15 October 2018 - Myanmar Times) (15 CONDITIONS OF October 2018 - IMPRISONMENT Irrawaddy/Burmese) (19 October  Police Say Former High Court 2018 - Network Media Group) Lawyer Zaw Win Was Not  Three Farmers in Yebyu Assaulted in Custody Township Beaten by KNU Troops (10 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (14 October 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (12 October 2018 - 7 Day  Some 40 Villagers in Kutkai Daily/Burmese) Township Detained by TNLA (28 October 2018 - The Voice/Burmese) FORMER POLITICAL PRISONERS LAND RIGHTS  Mon Leader and Former Political  Farmers and Mandalay Business Prisoner, Nai Ngwe Thein Dies Capital City Development Aged 96 (MBCCD) Clash Over Amarapura (2 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (3 City Project October 2018 - The Irrawaddy) (2 October 2018 - BBC/Burmese) (2 October 2018 - 7 Day RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL AND Daily/Burmese)  Laikha Locals Oppose Coal Mining POLITICAL RIGHTS Project  Battalion #66 Troops Seize Food (2 October 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (8

and More from Mong Ko Villagers October 2018 - Shan Herald Agency (1 October 2018 - BNI/Burmese) for News)  UWSA Releases Some Christian  300 Acres of Farmland Leaders, Expels Others Confiscated by Prison Directorate (1 October 2018 - VOA/Burmese) (4 to be Returned October 2018 -

OCTOBER 2018 16

(3 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (11 October 2018 - DVB/Burmese)  Aung Tha Pyay Villagers Hold (12 October 2018 - BNI/Burmese) Protest in Rangoon (12 October 2018 - (5 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) (5 Irrawaddy/Burmese) October 2018 - 7 Day  Farmers Across Six Townships in Daily/Burmese) (9 October 2018 - Bago Hold Conference on Land RFA/Burmese) Issues  President Urges Magway (14 October 2018 - DVB/Burmese) Department to Solve the Land  Practically All Complaints to Disputes Without Grievances Karen Government Concern Land (6 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) Rights  Farmers in Pyin Oo Lwin Request (16 October 2018 - Karen Confiscated Farmland be Information Center) (26 October Returned 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (6 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese)  Farmers Hold Press Conference  Farmers Protest Damage Caused in Mandalay to Discuss Township in Magway Failure to Return Confiscated (7 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) Land  Farmers Still Not Received Land (25 October 2018 - RFA/Burmese) Left to Pyin Oo Lwin Department (26 October 2018 - 7 Day Four Years Ago Daily/Burmese) (7 October 2018 -  Confiscated Land Returned in Mizzima/Burmese) Magway Division  Residents in Pyay Tract Demand (29 October 2018 - Compensation and Protection Mizzima/Burmese) Under Law  Farmers from Khin-U and Tant Se (8 October 2018 - The Townships Hold Protest March to Voice/Burmese) Monywa (29 October 2018 - Myanmar Times/Burmese)  62 Farmers Have Yet to Receive  1,000 Acres of Confiscated Land Land Compensation from Gote Returned to Farmers in Pyin Oo Twinn Road Project Lwin (11 October 2018 - BNI/Burmese) (31 October 2018 -  Return of over 300 Acres Irrawaddy/Burmese) (31 October Confiscated Land in Ann 2018 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) Township to Original Farmers

For more information:

OCTOBER 2018 17

Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) Tate Naing (Secretary) +66 (0) 812 878 751 Bo Kyi (Joint Secretary) +081 962 8713

OCTOBER 2018 18