June Chronology 2017

JUNE CHRONOLOGY 2017

Summary of the Current Situation:

There are 212 individuals oppressed in Burma due to political activities,

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Table of Contents

POLITICAL PRISONERS ...... 3 ▪ ARRESTS ...... 3 ▪ CHARGES ...... 4 ▪ DETENTIONS ...... 6 ▪ TRIALS ...... 7 ▪ SENTENCES ...... 8 ▪ CONDITIONS OF IMPRISONMENT ...... 9 ▪ RELEASES ...... 11 ▪ FORMER POLITICAL PRISONERS ...... 13 RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS ...... 15 LEGISLATION AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS ...... 22 REFERENCES ...... 23

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POLITICAL PRISONERS

▪ ARRESTS were owned by the Department of Agriculture. However, the farmers claimed that they were ancestral lands that Arrest Warrant for Farmers and Activists belonged to them. On June 1, Officer of the After Revoked Bail Department of Agriculture, Htay Linn, filed On June 1, Pyin Oo Lwin Township Court, a lawsuit against them under Section 447 of Mandalay, revoked bail for twelve farmers the Penal Code for trespassing and under and two activists, who were arrested in Section 114 of the Penal Code for being October 2016 for staging a protest over land abettors when the offence was committed at confiscation (See October Chronology). In the Windwinn Myoma Police Station. accordance with procedures, the court then (2 June 2017 – DVB/Burmese) issued an arrest warrant. Their lawyer commented that although the warrant is in Two Ta’ang Men Arrested by Restoration accordance with the law, the legal action Council of Shan State (RCSS)/Shan State against them has been unfair since the Army (SSA-South) beginning. On June 22, two Ta’ang men from Nar Site (16 June 2017 - Eleven Myanmar) Village, Lwe Pyinn Village Tract in Namtu 13 Arrested, 4 Released and 1 Killed Township were arrested by the Restoration After Interrogation in Shane State Council of Shan State (RCSS)/Shan State On June 27, according to Manlang village Army (SSA – South). Mine Aik San and Mine administrator, Kyaw Soe, 13 civilians were Nyi Aye were beaten and taken by RCSS. arrested by Military soldiers for making Mine Nyi Aye was released the following video recordings with their phones of a live day but Min Aik San is still in detention. On battle between the Ta’ang National June 26, the Ta’ang National Party released Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Military. a statement condemning the arrests. The One released resident, Kyaw Soe, reported statement also expressed concerns about that he along with three other residents 14 other local Ta’ang residents who were were release on June 28. One individual, arrested and are currently being detained named Apyaw, who supposedly suffers by the RCSS/SSA. from a psychological illness, died following (26 June 2017 – RFA/Burmese) interrogation from soldiers. Apyaw’s remains were dressed in a TNLA uniform and were left by the side of a road near the fighting. AAPP is currently trying to identify the other 9 civilians being detained and obtain more information regarding their detention. (27 June 2017 - Radio Free Asia/Burmese) (28 June 2017 - Radio Free Asia)

Lawsuit Filed Against Eight Farmers for Trespassing On June 1, eight farmers from Windwinn (Wundwin) Township, Mandalay Division, were arrested for cultivating lands that

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▪ CHARGES report, the three journalists had turned up at the illegal brick production site, had Students from Pathein University Now taken photographs, and threatened to Face Trial at District Level report on the issue. The Committee to On June 14, seven students from Pathein Protect Journalists has called on authorities University, Irrawaddy Division, faced to drop all charges against the three. On charges for defamation at the Pathein June 22, the International Federation of District Court, under Section 500 of the Journalists (IFJ) and the Myanmar Penal Code, for defamation, after staging a Journalist Association (MJA) jointly satirical drama critical of clashes between condemned the charges against the three the Military and armed ethnic groups journalists. In addition, they are calling for (EAGs) at their university on January 9. The all charges of criminal defamation against seven students had previously been journalists in Burma to be dropped acquitted of the charges when they were immediately. brought before the Pathein Township Court (15 June 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (15 June on May 12 but, upon an appeal made by 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (15 June 2017 Lieutenant Colonel Aung Myo Khaing, the - The Voice/Burmese) (16 June 2017 - case has now been heard again. The DVB/Burmese) (16 June, 2017 - DVB) (16 students believe that the Military is eager to June, 2017 - Irrawaddy) (18 June 2017 - send them to prison for their actions. Two Mizzima/Burmese) (18 June 2017 - 7 Day other students who were not acquitted of Daily/Burmese) (19 June, 2017 - CPJ) (22 the charges on May 12 will soon face trial, June 2017 - International Federation of which is scheduled for June 28. AAPP will Journalists) report on the outcome of the trial as and Two Men Charged for Leading when we receive the information. Commemoration of Renewed Kachin (14 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy) (14 June Conflict in Hpakant Township 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) On June 19, Lamawng La Tawng and Taing

Sau Bawm were charged under Section 19 Three Journalists Charged Under Section of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful 66(d) over Error in Facebook Report Procession Act by the Hpakant Township MGY Journal Editor Tin Shwe, MGY Journal Court for leading a commemoration of the Reporter Phoo Pwint Nay Chi, and renewed Kachin conflict on June 9. Democracy Today Reporter Zar Zar San Permission to hold the event at the Kachin were charged with defamation under Baptist Church had been granted to the Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications organizers and nearly 500 residents Law. Administrator of Myin Kin Village, attended the prayers. However, in court, the Magway Township, Htay Lwin, filed the accused were told they had failed to act in lawsuit with the Magwe Township 2 Police accordance with public event procedures. Station. Tin Shwe released a post from his The two men were released on bail set at 1 personal Facebook account, saying that million kyat each. Their next court hearing some brick plants continued operations, is on July 3. despite a general ban on brick production (19 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy) (20 June by the Magwe authorities. He wrongly 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese) reported however that the issue took place Six Arrested and Charged, Including in Myin Kin Village, rather than Thin Baw Three Journalists, in Namhsan Township Seit Village, which is why he was On June 26, six people, including three subsequently charged. Zar Zar San journalists, were arrested by Military commented on the post, calling the violation Forces near Myothit village in Namhsan unacceptable. According to the police

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Township, Shan State. The group, travelling held for more than 24 hours without being by two vehicles, was arrested during their remanded by a magistrate, against the return from a drug destroying ceremony statute of Section 376 of the Constitution. conducted by the Ta’ang National On June 29, Reporters Without Borders Liberation Army (TNLA), in called for release of the journalists and for commemoration of the International Day authorities to drop charges against them. Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking. AAPP is currently trying to determine the The three journalists have been identified identity of the three civilian individuals. as Aye Naing and Pyae Phone, both from the (26 June 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (26 June 2017 - Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), and RFA/Burmese) (26 June 2017 - VOA/Burmese) Thein Zaw (a.k.a. Lawi Weng), from The (26 June 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (26 June Irrawaddy. According to Major, Thet Naing 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese) (26 June 2017 - Oo, of Infantry Unit 503, the six individuals BBC/Burmese) (26 June 2017 - Democratic Voice of Burma) (26 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy) have been charged under Section 17/1 of (27 June 2017 - Myanmar Times) (26 June 2017 the Unlawful Association Act and are being - Reuters) (26 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy) (27 detained in Hsipaw Prison. The names of the June 2017 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (27 June three civilian drivers have not been 2017 - VOA/Burmese) (27 June 2017 - revealed yet. The group was arrested on VOA/Burmese) (27 June 2017 - alleged affiliations with the TNLA, an ethnic Irrawaddy/Burmese) (27 June 2017 - armed group that is currently engaged in BBC/Burmese) (27 June 2017 - DVB/Burmese) conflict with the military and is classified as (27 June 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (27 June an “illegal organization”. The six individuals 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (27 June 2017 - are set to appear before a judge on July 11. Irrawaddy/Burmese) (27 June 2017 - On June 27, 25 Burmese news outlets, Mizzima/Burmese) (27 June 2017 - BNI/Burmese) (27 June 2017 - journalist organizations and journalist Mizzima/Burmese) (27 June 2017 - The networks sent a joint open letter to the Irrawaddy) (27 June 2017 - Committee to county’s leaders calling for the immediate Protect Journalists) (28 June 2017 - 7 Day release of the three journalists detained by Daily/Burmese) (28 June 2017 - BBC/Burmese) the military before charges are brought (28 June 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (28 June 2017 - against them. The letter stressed the VOA/Burmese) (28 June 2017 - VOA/Burmese) importance of citizens being able to receive (28 June 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (28 June information about ethnic groups during his 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (28 June 2017 - period of conflict in the country. In addition, Irrawaddy/Burmese) (28 June 2017 - it also expressed concern about the Mizzima/Burmese) (28 June 2017 - Frontier conditions under which the journalists were Myanmar) (28 June 2017 - Democratic Voice of Burma)(28 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy)(28 June arrested and detained, which were 2017 - Washington Post)(28 June 2017 - Voice unknown for three days. On June 27, the of America)(28 June 2017 - Radio Free Asia) (29 Committee to Protect Journalists released a June 2017 - The Voice/Burmese) (29 June 2017 statement calling for the immediate release - Myanmar Times/Burmese) (29 June 2017 - 7 of the three journalists. On June 28, the Day Daily/Burmese) (29 June 2017 - three reporters and three drivers were VOA/Burmese) (29 June 2017 - Democratic transferred from Lashio Township Police Voice of Burma)(29 June 2017 - Reporters Station to Hsipaw Township Police Station. Without Borders)(30 June 2017 - The New York Captain Thet Naing Oo filed a lawsuit Times) against them under Section 17/1 at the Hsipaw Police Station and sent them to the Hsipaw Prison. On June 29, human rights lawyer Robert San Aung raised concerns with media about how the individuals were

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▪ DETENTIONS Irrawaddy/Burmese)(8 June 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese)(8 June 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese)(8 June 2017 - The Voice Daily Editor Remains Detained Voice/Burmese)(16 June, 2017 - DVB) (16 Editor of The Voice Daily, Kyaw Min Swe, June 2017 - DVB/Burmese)(16 June 2017 - who was arrested on June 2 along with Frontier Myanmar/Burmese)(16 June 2017 Kyaw Zaw Naing on defamation charges - Mizzima/Burmese)(16 June 2017 - under Section 66(d) of the Frontier Myanmr/Burmese)(16 June 2017 - Telecommunications Law over a satirical RFA/Burmese)(16 June 2017 - article questioning the Burmese peace VOA/Burmese)(16 June 2017 - process, was denied bail a second time Irrawaddy/Burmese)(16 June 2017 - during a court hearing on June 16. Myanmar Times/Burmese) (21 June 2017 - Reporters Without Borders urged the Reporters Without Borders) (23 June 2017 release of Kyaw Min Swe in an article named - RFA/Burmese) (23 June 2017 - ‘Burma’s courts must not help military to Irrawaddy/Burmese) (23 June 2017 - persecute journalists’. On June 23, Kyaw Mizzima/Burmese) (24 June 2017 - 7 Day Min Swe was denied bail for a third time by Daily/Burmese)(27 June 2017 - Myanmar the Bahan Township Court without any Times)(27 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy)(30 reasons given. Lieutenant Colonel Lin Tun June 2017 - The Irrawaddy)(30 June 2017 - has submitted a separate and direct Radio Free Asia) complaint to the Bahan Township Court, (30 June 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (30 June which may lead to new charges against the 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (30 June 2017 two defendants. On June 30, the judge at the - Mizzima/Burmese) Bahan Township Court denied Kyaw Min Swe‘s fourth bail request due to lack of documentation and because not all witnesses had testified yet. The plaintiff Lieutenant Colonel Lin Tun did not appear at the trial and most journalists were prohibited access to the hearing. AAPP will report on the outcome of Kyaw Min Swe’s next trial, which will take place on July 7, as well as on any further charges against the pair. (2 June 2017 - Irrawaddy) (2 June 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (2 June 2017 - VOA/Burmese) (2 June 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (2 June 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese) (3 June 2017 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (3 June 2017 - The Voice/Burmese) (3 June 2017 - VOA/Burmese) (3 June 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (3 June 2017 - Eleven Myanmar) (4 June 2017 - Frontier Myanmar) (8 June 2017 - DVB) (8 June 2017 - Irrawaddy) (8 June 2017 - RFA) (8 June 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (8 June 2017 - BBC/Burmese)(8 June 2017 - VOA/Burmese)(8 June 2017 -

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▪ TRIALS the case has now been heard again. The students believe that the Military is eager to send them to prison for their actions. Two other 66(d) Charge Over Live-Stream Play ‘We students who were not acquitted of the charges Want No War’ on Facebook on May 12 will soon face trial, which is On June 4, Tun Tun Oo, a leader of the scheduled for June 28. AAPP will report on the Human Rights Activists Association in outcome of the trial as and when we receive the Pathein, Irrawaddy Division, was arrested information. under charges of Section 66(d) of the (14 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy) Telecommunications Law. He was charged for live-streaming a play on Facebook, which was critical of military clashes with ethnic armed groups. He has been released on bail, which was posted at 5 million kyat. The play, titled ‘We Want No War’, was staged by high school students and undergraduates of Pathein University during a peace discussion in Pathein on January 9. Tun Tun Oo was initially charged by the Burma Army South Western Command with Section 34(d) of the

Electronic Transactions Law, but legal advice from township law officials made them change the charges. Tun Tun Oo was brought to trial on June 5. Tun Tun Oo replied that he live streamed the play for his friends to see, because his son was in it. The two students who organized the play, Aung Khant Zaw and Myant Thu Htet, are still on trial. The seven others have been acquitted. (4 June 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (5 June 2017 - Irrawaddy) (5 June 2017 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (5 June 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese) (6 June 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (6 June 2017 - The

Voice/Burmese)

Students from Pathein University Now Face Trial at District Level On June 14, seven students from Irrawaddy Division faced charges for defamation at the Pathein District Court, under Section 500 of the Penal Code, for defamation, after staging a satirical drama critical of clashes between the Military and armed ethnic groups (EAGs) at the Pathein Hotel on January 9. The seven students had previously been acquitted of the charges when they were brought before the Pathein

Township Court on May 12 but, upon an appeal made by Lieutenant Colonel Aung Myo Khaing,

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▪ SENTENCES including one in particular calling for an end to military offenses in Kachin State.

(13 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy) (14 June Student from ABFSU Sentenced 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese) (15 June 2017 - to Two Months Imprisonment BNI/Burmese) On June 27, Hnin Aung from the All Burma Federation Student Unions (ABFSU), was sentenced to one-month imprisonment under Section 18 of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Act and another month imprisonment under Section 228 of the Penal Code for the intentional insult or interruption to a public servant sitting in a judicial proceeding by the Sintgaing Township Court, Mandalay Division. He was charged for staging a protest in front of the

Sintgaing General Administration Department regarding labor issues and for contempt of the court. He received the second sentence for not paying a fine that accompanied the second charge. On May 9, he was previously sentenced to four months imprisonment for protesting Burma’s education system in front of the Department of Higher Education and was due to be released from Mandalay’s Obo Prison under presidential amnesty on May 24. However, he has not released from Obo Prison due to his second conviction as he was facing trial for charges under Section 18 and Section 228. (27 June 2017 – The Voice/Burmese) (27 June 2017 – Eleven/Burmese)

Three Men Charged in Myitkyina Township for Leading Commemoration of Renewed Kachin Conflict On June 13, the Myitkyina Township Court in Kachin State charged three men under Section 19 of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Act. The men leading the ceremony, commemorating the six-year anniversary of the renewed Kachin conflict, which was attended by more than 7000 residents and internally displaced persons, chose to pay a fine of 30000 kyat (about USD$22) each, rather than spend 15 days in prison. Allegations by police included using slogans not pre-approved by authorities,

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for the students who passed the matriculation exam would be covered by

the Prisons Department. (19 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy) (20 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy) (21 June 2017 - Myanmar Times) Better Meals in Prison if New Budget Is Approved On June 20, Deputy Director of the Prisons Department, Min Tun Soe, said that the meal budget for those incarcerated in jails and prisons will be increased, although the amount has not been agreed upon yet. According to him, the daily cost to feed more than 70,000 prisoners in jails and prison camps is 42 million kyat (about USD$30,000). He said that the current

budget is outdated, but whether the increase is warranted because of a growing number of prisoners or increased food prices is not clear. An analysis has been ▪ CONDITIONS OF made, and Min Tun Soe promised better IMPRISONMENT meals if the said budget is agreed upon. Critics, such as former prisoner Moe Hein, commented that rather than increasing the Seven Inmates in Obo Prison Pass meal budget, prisons should save money by National Matriculation Exam releasing prisoners who can be released, On June 17, results of the matriculation reducing the number of prisoners, and exam were published and showed that allocating the saved money to health and seven out of eleven inmates from Obo education. Prison who had taken the exam had passed. (21 June 2017 - Myanmar Times/Burmese) (22 This past year, Obo prison in Mandalay June 2017 - Myanmar Times) (21 June 2017 - opened an examination center, permitting Myanmar Times/Burmese) incarcerated students to study and take exams. According to prison officials, 38 students were studying in Obo prison this year from grade six to the matriculation level. Those in the matriculation class were given their own classroom. The students received help from other inmates who were teachers and doctors and were also taught by visiting teachers from local high schools. Students who have passed the matriculation exam and are now allowed to study at the university level have the right to continue their education via distance learning, according to Prisons Department’s Deputy Director, Min Tun Soe. It was also stated that the costs of distance education

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▪ RELEASES 2017 - Irrawaddy) (2 June 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (2 June 2017 - VOA/Burmese) (2 June 2017 - 66(d) Charge Dropped against Voice RFA/Burmese) (2 June 2017 - Columnist but not Chief Editor Mizzima/Burmese) (3 June 2017 - 7 Day On June 16, during a hearing at the Bahan Daily/Burmese) (3 June 2017 - The Township Court, Rangoon Division, charges Voice/Burmese) (3 June 2017 - were dropped against The Voice Daily VOA/Burmese) (3 June 2017 - Columnist Kyaw Zaw Naing. On June 2, RFA/Burmese) (3 June 2017 - Eleven Kyaw Zwa Naing, A.K.A. Ko Ko Maung, and Myanmar) (4 June 2017 - Frontier Kyaw Min Swe were arrested on defamation Myanmar) (8 June 2017 - DVB) (8 June charges and detained in Bahan Township 2017 - Irrawaddy) (8 June 2017 - RFA) (8 Police Station. On May 17, the pair faced a June 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (8 June 2017 - lawsuit under Section 66(d) of the BBC/Burmese)(8 June 2017 - Telecommunications Law, filed by VOA/Burmese)(8 June 2017 - Lieutenant Colonel Tun Tun Oo, over a Irrawaddy/Burmese)(8 June 2017 - satirical article questioning the Burmese Irrawaddy/Burmese)(8 June 2017 - peace process. Despite Kyaw Zaw Naing’s Mizzima/Burmese)(8 June 2017 - The attempt to explain that the article was Voice/Burmese)(16 June, 2017 - DVB) (16 aimed at urging the end of the civil war, the June 2017 - DVB/Burmese)(16 June 2017 - military feared that the piece would give the Frontier Myanmar/Burmese)(16 June 2017 armed forces a bad image and cause internal - Mizzima/Burmese)(16 June 2017 - divisions, and therefore decided to sue both Frontier Myanmr/Burmese)(16 June 2017 - men. Following the arrest, the men’s legal RFA/Burmese)(16 June 2017 - adviser Khin Maung Myint warned the VOA/Burmese)(16 June 2017 - police that detaining the defendants for Irrawaddy/Burmese)(16 June 2017 - more than 24 hours without a warrant Myanmar Times/Burmese) (21 June 2017 - would be a violation of the police code of Reporters Without Borders) (23 June 2017 conduct. On June 3, the Bahan Township - RFA/Burmese) (23 June 2017 - Court held an exceptional Saturday session, Irrawaddy/Burmese) (23 June 2017 - during which the judge issued the said Mizzima/Burmese) (24 June 2017 - 7 Day warrant and stated that the pair would be Daily/Burmese)(27 June 2017 - Myanmar held until their next hearing on June 8. On Times)(27 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy)(30 June 8, Judge Tharaphi denied their bail, on June 2017 - The Irrawaddy)(30 June 2017 - the grounds that necessary medical Radio Free Asia) (30 June 2017 - documents had not been delivered in time. DVB/Burmese) (30 June 2017 - The judge called for a resumed session on Irrawaddy/Burmese) (30 June 2017 - June 16. Legal experts called the denial Mizzima/Burmese) unfair and inconsistent. According to the Criminal Code of Conduct, the right to bail 48 out of 49 Kachin Detained by Army can only be denied in the case where a Released from Bhamo Prison charge carries the death penalty, provided On June 21, 48 out of 49 Kachin locals, who the Court can always choose to release any had been detained by the military since accused individuals who is ill or under the October 11, 2016, after being accused of age of 16 on bail. The court dropped charges attending a Kachin Independence Army against Kyaw Zaw Naing at a hearing on (KIA) militia training, were released from June 16, but not against Kyaw Min Swe. The Bhamo Prison in Kachin State. Before they latter was deemed ultimately responsible were charged under Section 17/1 of the for the publication of the article. (2 June Unlawful Association Act, the charge was changed to Section 202 of the Penal Code for

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intentionally omitting information about an offence. Even though they had been sentenced under Section 202 of the Penal Code, they were released due to time already served. They were arrested at the Lwe Jal military checkpoint for communicating with an “unlawful association” and “possessing weapons with the group”. Kachin State Democracy Party representatives say the youths were attending an agricultural training organized by community and religious groups. The individual who was not released was sentenced to seven years imprisonment, as it was discovered that he was a deserter from the Military. (22 June 2017 – Mizzima/Burmese) (23 June 2017 – VOA/Burmese)

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▪ FORMER POLITICAL Voice/Burmese) (4 June 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (5 June 2017 - Myanmar PRISONERS Times) (5 June 2017 - DVB)(6 June 2017 - Myanmar Times) (15 June 2017 - Student and Former Political Prisoner RFA/Burmese) Allowed to Resume Studies Former Political Prisoners Recount On May 24, student Zaw Ye Htut was Experience in Mandalay Prison released with four other students under a Former political prisoners Pwin Phyu Latt presidential amnesty. They were arrested and Zaw Zaw Latt recounted their on April 26 for protesting in front of the experiences in prison, and testified about Higher Education Department in Mandalay problems of overcrowding, the high rate of and sentenced to four-months in prison recidivism, and lack of re-entry programs. under Section 19 of the Peaceful Assembly Pwin Phyu Latt and Zaw Zaw Latt were and Peaceful Procession Act and Section detained in July 2015, for photos they 228 of the Penal Code for disrespecting the published of a peace activism trip they court. After his release, Zaw Ye Htut undertook in Kachin State. They were received a letter of dismissal from the sentenced to two years in prison and Sagaing Education College for incitement to charged under Section 13(1) of the 1947 political chaos, therefore breaching Section Immigration Emergency Provision Act, and 30 of the college entrance requirements were also additionally sentenced to two prohibiting the participation in political years in April 2016 under Section 17/1 of activities. According to a statement released the Unlawful Association Act. They were on June 4 by the National Network for serving their four-year sentence in Education Reform (NNER), excluding Zaw Mandalay’s Obo Prison when they were Ye Htut from college is a violation of the released under presidential amnesty, student’s right to freedom of expression. together with 250 other prisoners, at the The NNER, together with the All Burma start of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU), Conference talks on May 24. Zaw Zaw Latt asked for the reinstatement of the student estimated that during his time in prison, the and called for the amendment of the rules prison held twice its capacity. He had suspending the right to education. On June trouble sleeping because of the lack of 5, the Director General at the Department of space. Pwin Phyu Latt had a similar account Higher Education, Aung Aung Min, stated of incarceration in a female prison ward. that Zaw Ye Htet must apply to rejoin the Both witnessed high recidivism in fellow College to continue his studies. Zaw Ye Htut inmates. Recidivism for drug users, sex is planning to take to the streets if the workers, and thieves alike was in part due Ministry of Education does not allow him to to lack of educational opportunities in attend university. However, one June 14 he prison. Furthermore, they believe received confirmation that could in fact imprisonment is not an effective way to deal continue his studies following discussions with addicts - it is expensive for the between College authorities, High Government, and it does not teach them Education Department Authorities, improved behavior. Instead, they suggest including the Education Minister, and other fines or treatment for addicts. According to Governmental authorities including NLD the pair, many criminal offenders were Spokesman Win Htein. He resumed his forced back into a life of crime. studies on June 17. (10 June, 2017 - Mizzima) (1 June 2017 - Eleven Myanmar) (2 June 2017 - Myanmar Times) (4 June 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (4 June 2017 - The

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29th Win Tin Donation to Political Prisoners, Journalists and Their

Relatives On June 12, the Hantharwady U Win Tin Foundation made its 29th donation to former and current political prisoners, journalists, and their families. During the ceremony, held every two or three months since 2012, the foundation gifted 200,000 kyat (about USD$145) to 11 former political prisoners and journalists, and 300,000 kyat (about USD$220) to a youth organization under the National League for Democracy (NLD). As a result of the continued campaign, the foundation has donated a total of 1.92 billion kyat (nearly USD$1.4 million) to this cause. (12 June 2017 - The Voice/Burmese) (13 June, 2017 - Eleven Myanmar)

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RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS

Investigation Announced into Torture Central Review Committee has not come to Video a decision yet on any case. On May 31, the Office of the State Counselor (2 June 2017 – The Voice/Burmese) announced an investigation on the viral video that depicted five soldiers and one Monastic School Instructed to Shut Down militia personnel in civilian clothing On June 1, the Mya Tan Saung Monastic interrogating and torturing six men. The School in Myauk-U Township, in Arakan official statement on Facebook stressed that State, received a letter from the Ministry of appropriate measures will be taken against Religious Affairs and Culture, repealing its the perpetrators if abuses are discovered. permission to operate. On June 2, Daw Win The 17-minute video first appeared on Aye from school’s council said that social media on May 27. It shows soldiers authorities from the Education Department, kicking and beating the detainees while Township Peace and Development Council asking them questions, and accusing the and Police Force came to the school and detainees of being “Palaung fighters” - a offered their help the school if necessary. In presumed reference to the the school, ten teachers teach one hundred National Liberation Army (TNLA). and eighty students from the primary level According to the Irrawaddy, the TNLA to grade nine. On April 10, Abbot Nanda commented that the incident occurred in Thara from Mya Tan Saung Monastery and 2015. When the investigation will take place Khine Ni Min were arrested in Arakan or be completed is not clear yet. State’s Mrauk Oo Township for organizing a (28 May 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (31 May, football match dubbed the ‘Arakan Army 2017 - Irrawaddy) (1 June, 2017 - Fortify Cup’ among other events in Mya Tan Saung Rights) Monastery, commemorating the founding of the Arakan Army on April 10, 2009. Land Disputes Remain Unresolved in (2 June 2017 – RFA/Burmese) Rangoon Division

On June 1, Secretary of the Review Protester Condemns Land Grabs in Committee on Confiscated Farmlands and Naypyidaw Other Lands in Rangoon Division, Than On June 3, Aye Thein, also known as Yan Myint, said that cases of land disputes in Naing, held a solo protest in Tatkone Rangoon Division are not being resolved yet Township, Naypyidaw, to condemn land under the new government, when he met confiscation and demand the return of media at the office of the Yangon seized lands. Aye Thein also asked to meet Government Division. He added that the Chairman of Naypyidaw Council. Dr. Myo Review Committee on Confiscated Aung, to discuss 12 cases of land grabbing. Farmlands has submitted 59 land disputes He plans to stage a similar protest in cases to the Central Review Committee on Ottarathiri Township, Naypyidaw, as well as Confiscated Farmlands and Other Lands, of a press conference in Rangoon. which none have been resolved. Although (3 June 2017 - Eleven Myanmar) the Review Committee has given suggestions to the Central Review Committee to continue or close cases, the

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Media Representatives Campaign for Nickel Factory in Htigyaing Township, Press Freedom Sagaing Division. On June 6, over 100 media representatives (8 June 2017 – RFA/Burmese) gathered at the Orchid Hotel, Rangoon, in support of Kyaw Min Swe and Kyaw Zwa Amendment to 66(d) Discussed by Naing. Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) Assessment Commission of Legal Affairs Representative Tha Lun Zaung Htet, and Special Issues organized the conference and founded the The Assessment Commission of Legal temporary Committee for the Protection of Affairs and Special Issues discussed the Journalists, counting 21 members. The revision of Section 66(d) of the Committee released a statement on Telecommunications Law, however the Tuesday, demanding that statutes like 66(d) content of the discussions and what will of the Telecommunications Law are happen next remains unclear. Member of terminated, all associated lawsuits dropped, Parliament for No. 5 Constituency, Sagaing and the civil society is included in this Division Ye Htut, raised the question in process. They also announced that a 10-day parliament of whether there will be white armband campaign for press freedom amendments or the complete abolition of which was aimed to be launched on June 8 Section 66(d), but the discussion was with a march from Bahan Courthouse to the repeatedly blocked by fellow National offices of Eleven Media Group and The Voice League for Democracy (NLD) members. Daily. Later protests were held in front of Most prominent amendments include Bahan Township Court and Yangon City decriminalization and the inclusion of bail. Hall. Bill Committee Chairperson Tun Tun Hein (6 June 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (6 June 2017 said he welcomed legislation to - The Voice/Burmese) (6 June 2017 - decriminalize the law. A Ministry of Eleven/Burmese) (6 June 2017 - Information Official Myo Myint Maung said Irrawaddy/Burmese) (6 June 2017 - that with criminal penalties removed from Irrawaddy) (6 June 2017 - RFA) (7 June the law, it would likely fall into disuse. The 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (7 June 2017 - Attorney General’s office recently suggested Frontier Myanmar) (7 June 2017 - DVB) (8 that defendants in defamation cases be June 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (8 June 2017 - granted bail, which is rarely granted to Mizzima/Burmese) (8 June 2017 - journalists. The issue might soon be Irrawaddy) (8 June 2017 - US News) (10 discussed by parliament, but commission June 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (10 June 2017 - member and ruling NLD spokesperson Win Mizzima/Burmese) (17 June 2017 - Eleven) Htein said there is no urgent need to amend the section. Farmers Demand Compensation for (9 June 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (9 June 2017 Their Damaged Lands - Mizzima/Burmese) (9 June 2017 - 7 Day On June 8, approximately 90 local farmers Daily/Burmese) (9 June 2017 - from Htigyaing Township, Sagaing Division, Eleven/Burmese) (12 June 2017 - Myanmar and Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Times) (12 June 2017 - Coconuts) Division staged a protest to receive compensation for their lands that were Board Film Festival does Not Approve damaged by loose soil from the Takaung Film on Youth in Arakan State Nickel Factory. Protestor Tun Kyi said lands On June 7, the board of the Human Rights of the farmers were covered by loose soil Human Dignity International Film Festival every year. The loose soil from this factory released the line-up of over 60 films, but has been covering 470 acres of lands since failed to approve screening of the film 2012. Protesters walked from Thabeikkyin ‘Sittwe’. The Films and Video Censorship Township, Mandalay Division, to Takaung Board wrote to the event’s organizers,

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saying that the film was “Culturally and Media Banned from Attending Ceremony religiously inappropriate and should not be of Land Returns shown”. The film is an 18-minute On June 11, a land returning ceremony was documentary about young people affected held at the Zwe Ka Bin Hall in Hpa An City in by conflicts in Arakan State. The film festival Kayin State. Even though governmental started in 2013, and for the first three years, media outlets such as Myanmar Radio and no films were banned. The first ban was in Television, Global New Light of Myanmar 2016, of the political film “Twilight Over and the Ministry of Information and Burma: My Life as a Shan Princess”. This Communication Media, were allowed access year’s festival opened with “Burma to the event in the hall, independent media Storybook”, featuring former political outlets were prohibited entry by security prisoners and poet Maung Aung Pwint. forces. Local reporter Yar Hu, from Hpa An, (7 June 2017 - Irrawaddy) (8 June 2017 - Karen State, said members of independent Frontier Myanmar) (9 June 2017 - media were not allowed to gather news in Irrawaddy/Burmese) the hall. They were only able to take photos and conduct interviews outside the hall. The Rakhine Farmers Demand Fair Vice-President and acting Chairman of the Compensation for Land Central Review Committee on Confiscated On June 9, 27 farmers from Set Yoe Kya Farm Lands and Other Lands Henry Van Ward, Sittwe Region, Arakan State, rejected Thio was one attendee available for a proposal for compensation of their lands comment after the ceremony. Yar Hu added totaling 160 acres, which were confiscated that independent media representatives in 1992-1993 for the development of an mainly wanted to document that lands were industrial zone. The offer of 3 million kyat being returned to local farmers. per acre (about USD$2194) from the local (11 June 2017 – DVB/Burmese) government was deemed inadequate by the farmers who are demanding more fair Police Interferes in a Solo Protest compensation or the return of their lands. Against the Criminal Investigation (12 June 2017 - Burma News Department International/Burmese) (13 June 2017 - Police forces in Naypyidaw stopped solo Burma News International) protester, Thinzar Maung Maung, from Bago CPJ and Pen Myanmar Raise Concerns Division who tried to stage a protest in front About Section 66(d) With Ministry of of the Criminal Investigation Department Information and Lower House Bill (C.I.D) office in Nay Pyi Daw in protest of Committee improper C.I.D. investigations. Though she On June 8, representatives from the had permission to stage the protest on the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Shwe Nant Thar Ground in Ottarathiri Pen Myanmar met with Permanent Township, Naypyidaw, she attempted to Secretary for the Ministry of Information, stage the protest at the C.I.D office instead. Myo Myint Maung, and Chairman of the Police Colonel, Zaw Khin Aung, from the Nay Lower House Bill Committee, Tun Tun Hein, Pyi Daw Regional Police Force said that they to demand reform of Section 66(d) of the will not take action against her. Telecommunications Law. According to the (13 June 2017 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) CPJ, Tun Tun Hein stated that no proposals have been submitted to amend Section Lower House Speaker Urges Government 66(d) but the Bill Committee will give to Return Inactive Grabbed Lands to priority when a proposal is submitted. Original Owners (11 June 2017 - Eleven)

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Speaker of the House of Representative and Government authorities and private MP for Tamwe Township, Rangoon, Win companies when the country was under Myint, called on lawmakers in Parliament to military rule. follow through on their responsibility to (14 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy) (14 June ensure that lands grabbed across the 2017 - The Irrawaddy/Burmese country for government projects be returned to their original owners. The Taunggyi Based Reporters Stage Protest On June 15, around ten Taunggyi based appeal was made amid questions raised in reporters from the Taunggyi Reporters the House of Representatives by Association staged a protest wearing white Lawmaker Thant Zin Htun regarding land grabbed in Dekkhinathiri Township, armbands and holding posters. The Naypyidaw for a mango plantation. The protesters demanded access to gather news in Shan State Parliament and that Section Speaker also urged lawmakers to improve 66(d) of the Telecommunication Law be coordination with the land confiscation review committee, largely made up of repealed. Though Myanmar Radio and government authorities involved with land Television, Sky Net and NRC are allowed to gather news in the Shan State Parliament, confiscation under previous governments, other independent media outlets are to ensure that fairness and justice is rendered to those whose lands were restricted. As a result, independent news confiscated unfairly. In an earlier statement reporters gather information from the live- streaming television outside Parliament. last week, Win Myint stated that of the 1,905 They face difficulties because the images land seizure cases in the Yangon Region, none had been resolved further noting that and sound are sometimes not clear. Some only 337 cases had made it to the regional parliaments in certain states and divisions allow reporters to gather news inside the government and 59 had reached the central buildings. government. (15 June 2017 – BBC/Burmese) (15 June (7 June 2017 - Myanmar Times)(12 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy/Burmese)(13 June 2017 – RFA/Burmese) 2017 - The Irrawaddy) Mandalay Journalists Protest Against Farmers from Myaungmya Township Section 66(D) On June 15, journalists in Mandalay issued a Demand Return of Confiscated Lands statement on pamphlets distributed to At a press conference on June 14, farmers in Myaungmya Township, Irrawaddy Division citizens of the city expressing their demanded 249 acres of land be returned to opposition toward Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law. The statement, their 32 original owners. The lands, used to which denounced the ongoing persecution grow cashews, were seized in 1996 by of journalists in the country under Section Military forces but mostly declared abandoned in 2016. Farmers had previously 66(d), pointed out that Burma’s Constitution provides certain liberties requested an explanation from regarding freedom of speech and freedom divisional government authorities with of expression. The journalists, who feel that regards to why their lands, which remain unused, may not be returned to them but Section 66(d) is being used as a tool to have not been answered. Though more than continue the suppression of media and would like to see the News Media Council be 90,000 acres of seized lands in the reestablished, are calling for MPs in the Irrawaddy Division have been returned to their owners so far, a total of 200,000 acres National Parliament to amendment of the were confiscated by the Military, law. (15 June 2017 - Myanmar Times)

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Kyaukphyu Farmers Demand Adequate Magwe Students Demand That Compensation for Lands Imprisoned Students not be Expelled On June 19, farmers from four village tracts Post Detention & More in Kyaukphyu Township demanded that On June 17, the Magwe University of they be adequately compensated for lands Medicine and Technology student union being seized for the construction of a special held a press conference where a economic zone (SEZ). The proposed project representative spoke to media about is the initiative of a Chinese state-owned students’ demands for reform of the current company that plans to create an industrial rules that govern higher education. Among zone on nearly 4300 acres of land, where 35 other issues raised, the student villages are currently located. The farmers representative, Ko Myo Khant, demanded would like to be compensated at a rate of up that imprisoned students not be expelled to 90 million kyat per acre for their fertile post incarceration for political dissent. He lands that provide them with important explained how students are doubly income. Farmers put forward their punished by laws that restrict speech and demands following a meeting between expression as well as by how political Kyaukphyu SEZ Committee Chairman Dr. incarcerations negatively affect students’ Soe Win and 63 farmers from four nearby lives. Students are often expelled from villages. Civil society organizations, school after political dissent charges. lawmakers and reporters were barred from (17 June 2017 - Myanmar Times) the meeting resulting in criticism from Farmers Compensated for Seized Magwe Arakan National Party’s Region MP, Phoe Lands San. The Social Development Association for Regional Farmers has asked that job On June 16, four farmers were financially opportunities be created for locals affected compensated for lands they held in their names that had been confiscated under the by the project and that villagers be properly previous Government. Buildings had been resettled, should their lands be required for constructed on the lands since they had the project. (19 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy) (21 June been confiscated. In the Magwe Region, more than 400,000 acres of land have been 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (22 June 2017 confiscated over the past decades by the - The Voice/Burmese) (24 June 2017 - military, various government departments Mizzima/Burmese) and companies.

Protest March in Monywa Township (20 June 2017 - Myanmar Times) Calls for Amendment of 66(d) 22 Civil Society Organizations Demand On June 18, more than 100 protesters, Repeal of Section 66(d) and Review the consisting of residents, journalists and civil Telecommunications Law society organization members, participated On June 24, 22 civil society organizations, in a protest march in Monywa Township, including Myanmar Journalists Association Sagaing Division, calling for the amendment (MJA), Myanmar Journalist Network (MJN), of Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Myanmar Journalist Union (MJU), Burma Law. Protesters chanted slogans criticizing Net International (BNI), and PEN Myanmar, the law for its role in continuing the released a joint statement urging the oppression of media in the country and Government and Parliament to “to repeal restricting people's freedom of speech and Section 66 (d) of the Telecommunication expression. Law”, “To review and amend the other (19 June 2017 - Eleven) (18 June 2017 - sections of the Telecommunications Law RFA/Burmese) that have affected freedom of speech and expression and democracy and human right

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standards” and “to properly discuss the Committee for Myanmar Journalists (PCMJ) steps of the amendments with citizens”. The to stage a signature campaign protest on organizations released the joint statement June 23 in front of the Rangoon Division because they oppose the fact that Section Military Headquarters, to gather support 66(d) is a criminalized charge and because from residents against the controversial the number of people arrested under the Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications law is increasing under the current Law. The PCMJ has stated that the decision government. They maintain that the law reveals a violation of peoples’ right to negatively affects people’s human rights. protest. (24 June 2017 – Eleven/Burmese)(25 June (23 June 2017 - Mizzima) (23 June 2017 - 2017 – DVB/Burmese)(25 June 2017 – Mizzima/Burmese) (23 June 2017 - RFA/Burmese) Irrawaddy/Burmese) Lawsuit Filed Against Four Farmers in 61 Burmese and International Human Salingyi Township Right Organizations Release Joint Police from the Salingyi Township police Statement Over Concerns About Section station have filed charges under Section 19 66(d) of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful On June 29, AAPP along with 60 other Procession Act against local farmers Yi Win, Burmese and international human rights Khin Nyein, Sandar and Mar Cho, who organizations released a joint statement staged a protest against the Letpadaung calling for a total repeal or at least Copper Mine. The four were among dozens amendment of Section 66(d), so that of protesters who demonstrated on defamation is not considered a criminal Pathein-Monywa Road in front of the offense and that recognizable criminal acts Wanbao Co. on June 26, criticizing the be defined in line with international human company’s failed implementation of rights laws to prevent the criminalization of recommendations made in 2013 by an peaceful expression. The joint statement investigative commission. Among the has been released amid concerns that the recommendations were increased criminal defamation provision of Section compensation for confiscated lands, 66(d) will be retained during the current creation of job opportunities, and Government review of the implementation of environmental and Telecommunications Law. social management system for the mine. (29 June 2017 - ASEAN Parliamentarians for Villagers have accused the business, jointly Human Rights)(29 June 2017 - Human operated by Wanbao Co., a Chinese Rights Watch) (29 June 2017 - Progressive company, and the military owned Union of Voice) (29 June 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (30 Myanmar Economic Holdings Company June 2017 - VOA/Burmese (UMEHL), of causing air pollution, Hundreds Protest in Yangon Against environmental degradation and failing to reclaim 1900 acres of land to replace Arrests of Journalists and Section 66(d) On June 30, several hundred members of confiscated farmlands. AAPP will report on Burmese press organizations as well as civil any developments regarding the charges society and rights groups protested in front they face when it receives the information. (29 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy) of the Rangoon City Hall, calling for the release of detained journalists under Signature Campaign in Opposition to Section 17/1 of the Unlawful Associations 66(d) Cancelled due to Restrictions from Act and the repeal of Section 66(d) of the Local Authorities in Rangoon Telecommunications Law. The protests On June 22, local Government officials and were staged in light of four recent arrests of police refused permission to the Protection journalists in the country in June. The

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protest also included the collection of signatures demanding that Section 66(d) be repealed. (30 June 2017 - The Irrawaddy)

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LEGISLATION AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS

Kachin MPs Agree to Reclaim Land

On May 31, the Government in Kachin State agreed upon the proposal of Member of Parliament (MP), Zaw Thin, to reclaim vacant land from individuals and firms and hand it over to their original farmers. The Kachin Government has reportedly given back over 1.3 million acres to individuals and companies but according to State Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Mya Thein, only 140,000 acres have been farmed.

(1 June 2017 - Eleven Myanmar)

Ministry of Home Affairs Remains Reluctant to Define the Term “Political Prisoner” On June 21, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, General Aung Soe, stated that the Ministry has no plan to define the term “political prisoner” nor what constitutes a “political offence”, in response to a question asked by Member of Parliament (MP) Kyaw Kyaw, from Arakan State. General Aung Soe further noted that despite discussions held by the Ministry with MPs, representatives of civil society organization and political parties, it has failed to agree upon what constitutes a prisoner of conscience in lawmaking terms. Despite the fact that several former political prisoners from the National League for Democracy (NLD) Party are now in parliament, the Government remains reluctant to provide a definition, leaving political activists vulnerable to arrest on criminal charges. (21 June 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (21 June 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese) (21 June 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (22 June 2017 - DVB)

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REFERENCES

May 31 Rangoon Government Media Representatives Investigation Announced Allegedly Reneges on Campaign for Press into Torture Video - Freedom - DVB Irrawaddy Land Agreement - Board Film Festival does Irrawaddy Not Approve Film on June 1 Voice Editor and Satirist Youth in Arakan State - Kachin MPs Agree to Arrested and Taken into Irrawaddy Reclaim Land - Myanmar Custody Over 66(s) Rangoon Government Times Charge - Eleven Allegedly Reneges on Student to Protest College Myanmar Land Agreement - Expulsion - Eleven Frontier Myanmar Myanmar June 4 Investigation Announced Voice Editor and Satirist June 8 into Torture Video - Arrested and Taken into Board Film Festival does Fortify Rights Custody Over 66(s) Not Approve Film on Charge - Frontier Youth in Arakan State - June 2 Myanmar Frontier Myanmar Student to Protest College Voice Editor and Satirist Expulsion - Myanmar June 5 Arrested and Taken into Times Student to Protest College Custody Over 66(s) Voice Editor and Satirist Expulsion - Myanmar Charge - DVB Arrested and Taken into Times Voice Editor and Satirist Custody Over 66(s) Student to Protest College Arrested and Taken into Charge - Irrawaddy Expulsion - DVB Custody Over 66(s) Voice Editor and Satirist 66(d) Charge Over Live- Charge - Irrawaddy Arrested and Taken into Stream Play ‘We Want No Voice Editor and Satirist Custody Over 66(s) War’ on Facebook - Arrested and Taken into Charge - RFA Irrawaddy Custody Over 66(s) Monastic School Charge - RFA Instructed to Shut down - June 6 Media Representatives Radio Free Asia/Burmese Student to Protest College Campaign for Press Land Disputes Remain Expulsion - Myanmar Freedom - Irrawaddy Unresolved in Rangoon Times Media Representatives Division - The Media Representatives Campaign for Press Voice/Burmese Campaign for Press Freedom - US News Lawsuit Filed Against Freedom - Irrawaddy Farmers Demand Eight Farmers for Media Representatives Compensation for Their Trespassing - Democratic Campaign for Press Damaged Lands - Radio Voice of Burma/Burmese Freedom - Radio Free Asia Free Asia

June 3 June 7 10 June Protester Condemns Land Media Representatives Former Political Prisoners Grabs in Naypyidaw - Campaign for Press Recount Experience in Eleven Myanmar Freedom - Frontier Mandalay Prison - Myanmar Mizzima

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After Revoked Bail - 11 June Three Men Arrested in Eleven Myanmar CPJ and Pen Myanmar Myitkyina Township For Raise Concerns About Leading Commemoration 17 June Section 66(d) With of Renewed Kachin Magwe Students Demand Ministry of Information Conflict - The Irrawaddy That Imprisoned Students and Lower House Bill Farmers from Myaungmya not be Expelled Post Committee - Eleven Township Demand Return Detention & More - Media Banned From of Confiscated Lands - The Myanmar Times Attending Ceremony of Irrawaddy Land Returns - Farmers from Myaungmya 19 June Democratic Voice of Township Demand Return Kyaukphyu Farmers Burma/Burmese of Confiscated Lands - The Demand Adequate Irrawaddy/Burmese Compensation for Lands - 12 June Students From Pathein The Irrawaddy Amendment 66(d) University Now Face Trial Protest March In Monywa Discussed by Assessment of at District Level - Township Calls for Legal Affairs and Special Irrawaddy/Burmese Amendment of 66(d) - Issues Commission - Eleven Myanmar Times 15 June Two Men Charged for Amendment 66(d) Students From Pathein Leading Commemoration Discussed by Assessment of University Now Face Trial of Renewed Kachin Legal Affairs and Special at District Level - The Conflict in Hpakant Issues Commission - Irrawaddy Township - The Coconuts Mandalay Journalists Irrawaddy Township - Frontier Protest Against Section Seven Inmates in Obo Myanmar 66(D) - Myanmar Times Prison Pass National Taunggyi Based Reporters Matriculation Exam - The 13 June Staged Protest - Radio Irrawaddy 29th Win Tin Donation to Free Asia/Burmese Political Prisoners, Taunggyi Based Reporters 18 June Journalists and Their Staged Protest - British Protest March in Monywa Relatives - Eleven Broadcasting Township Calls for Myanmar Corporation/Burmese Amendment of 66(d) - Rakhine Farmers Demand RFA/Burmese Fair Compensation For 16 June

Land - Burma News Voice Editor and Satirist International/Burmese Arrested and Taken into 20 June Police Interferes in a Solo Custody Over 66(d) Seven Inmates in Obo Prison Pass National Protest Against the Charge - DVB Matriculation Exam - The Criminal Investigation Three Journalists Face Department - 7Day 66(d) Charges over Error Irrawaddy Daily/Burmese in Facebook Report - DVB

Lower House Speaker

Urges Government to Three Journalists Face Farmers Compensated for Return Inactive Grabbed 66(d) Charges over Error Lands to Original Owners - in Facebook Report - Seized Magwe Lands - Myanmar Times/Burmese The Irrawaddy Irrawaddy

Arrest Warrant for

14 June Farmers and Activists 21 June

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Seven Inmates in Obo 22 Civil Society Prison - Voice of Prison Pass National Organizations Demand America/Burmese Matriculation Exam - Repeal of Section 66(d) Myanmar Times and Review the Voice Editor and Satirist Telecommunications Law - June 24 Kyaukphyu Farmers Arrested and Taken into Eleven/Burmese Demand Adequate Custody Over 66(d) 22 Civil Society Charge - Reporters Organizations Demand Compensation for Lands - Without Borders Repeal of Section 66(d) Mizzima/Burmese

Better Meals In Prison If and Review the 26 June New Budget Is Approved- Telecommunications Law- Six Arrested and Charged, Myanmar Times/Burmese Democratic Voice of Kyaukphyu Farmers Burma/Burmese Including Three Demand Adequate 22 Civil Society Journalists in Namhsan Township - DVB/Burmese Compensation for Lands - Organizations Demand Six Arrested and Charged, Irrawaddy/Burmese Repeal of Section 66(d) Ministry of Home Affairs and Review the Including Three Remains Reluctant to Telecommunications Law Journalists in Namhsan Township - RFA/Burmese Define the Term “Political - Radio Free Six Arrested and Charged, Prisoner” - RFA/Burmese Asia/Burmese Ministry of Home Affairs 48 out of 49 Kachin Including Three Remains Reluctant to Detained by Army Journalists in Namhsan Township - VOA/Burmese Define the Term “Political Released from Bhamo Six Arrested and Charged, Prisoner” - Prison - Democratic Voice Mizzima/Burmese of Burma/Burmese Including Three Ministry of Home Affairs Journalists in Namhsan Township - Remains Reluctant to 23 June Irrawddy/Burmese Define the Term “Political Signature Campaign In Six Arrested and Charged, Prisoner” - Opposition to 66(d) Irrawaddy/Burmese Cancelled due to Including Three Journalists in Namhsan Restrictions from Local Township - Authorities in Rangoon - 22 June Mizzima/Burmese Mizzima Better Meals In Prison If Six Arrested and Charged, Signature Campaign in New Budget Is Approved - Opposition to 66(d) Including Three Myanmar Times Journalists in Namhsan Cancelled due to Ministry of Home Affairs Township - BBC/Burmese Restrictions from Local Remains Reluctant to Authorities in Rangoon - Six Arrested and Charged, Define the Term “Political Mizzima/Burmese Including Three Prisoner” - DVB Journalists in Namhsan Signature Campaign in Three Journalists Face Township - Democratic Opposition to 66(d) 66(d) Charges over Error Cancelled due to Voice of Burma in Facebook Report - Restrictions from Local Six Arrested and Charged, International Federation Including Three Authorities in Rangoon - Journalists in Namhsan of Journalists - Irrawaddy/Burmese- Kyaukphyu Farmers Mizzima/Burmese Township - The Demand Adequate Irrawaddy 48 out of 49 Kachin Compensation for Lands - Six Arrested and Charged, Detained by Army The Voice/Burmese Including Three Released from Bhamo Journalists in Namhsan

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Township - Myanmar Including Three Journalists in Namhsan Times Journalists in Namhsan Township - The Six Arrested and Charged, Township - BBC/Burmese Irrawaddy Including Three Six Arrested and Charged, Six Arrested and Charged, Journalists in Namhsan Including Three Including Three Township - Reuters Journalists in Namhsan Journalists in Namhsan Six Arrested and Charged, Township - DVB/Burmese Township - Washington Including Three Six Arrested and Charged, Post Journalists in Namhsan Including Three Six Arrested and Charged, Township - The Journalists in Namhsan Including Three Irrawaddy Township - Journalists in Namhsan Six Arrested and Charged, Irrawaddy/Burmese Six Township - Voice of Including Three Arrested and Charged, America Journalists in Namhsan Including Three Six Arrested and Charged, Township - The Journalists in Namhsan Including Three Irrawaddy Township - RFA/Burmese Journalists in Namhsan Voice Editor and Satirist Six Arrested and Charged, Township - Radio Free Arrested and Taken into Including Three Asia Custody Over 66(d) Journalists in Namhsan 13 Arrested, 4 Released Charge - The Irrawaddy Township - and 1 Killed After Irrawaddy/Burmese Six Interrogation in Shane 27 June Arrested and Charged, State - Radio Free Asia Student from ABFSU Including Three Six Arrested and Charged, Sentenced to Two Months Journalists in Namhsan Including Three Imprisonment - Township - Journalists in Namhsan VOA/Burmese Mizzima/Burmese Six Township - 7 Day Student from ABFSU Arrested and Charged, Daily/Burmese Six Sentenced to Two Months Including Three Arrested and Charged, Imprisonment - The Journalists in Namhsan Including Three Voice/Burmese Township - Journalists in Namhsan Six Arrested and Charged, BNI/BurmeseSix Arrested Township - BBC/Burmese Including Three and Charged, Including Six Arrested and Charged, Journalists in Namhsan Three Journalists in Including Three Township - Day Namhsan Township - Journalists in Namhsan Daily/Burmese Six Mizzima/Burmese Township - RFA/Burmese Arrested and Charged, Six Arrested and Charged, Including Three 28 June Including Three Journalists in Namhsan Six Arrested and Charged, Journalists in Namhsan Township - VOA/Burmese Including Three Township - VOA/Burmese Six Arrested and Charged, Journalists in Namhsan (28 June 2017 - Including Three Township - Frontier VOA/Burmese) Six Journalists in Namhsan Myanmar Arrested and Charged, Township - VOA/Burmese Six Arrested and Charged, Including Three Six Arrested and Charged, Including Three Journalists in Namhsan

Including Three Journalists in Namhsan Township - Journalists in Namhsan Township - Democratic Irrawaddy/Burmese Six Township - Voice of Burma Arrested and Charged, Irrawaddy/Burmese Six Six Arrested and Charged, Including Three Arrested and Charged, Including Three Journalists in Namhsan

JUNE 2017 26

Township - Joint Statement Over but not Chief Editor - Irrawaddy/Burmese Six Concerns About Section Mizzima/Burmese Arrested and Charged, 66(d) - Human Rights 61 Burmese and Including Three Watch International Human Journalists in Namhsan 61 Burmese and Right Organizations Township - International Human Right Release Joint Statement Irrawaddy/Burmese Six Organizations Release Over Concerns About Arrested and Charged, Joint Statement Over Section 66(d) - Including Three Concerns About Section VOA/Burmese Journalists in Namhsan 66(d) - DVB/Burmese

Township - 61 Burmese and For more Information contact: Mizzima/Burmese International Human Right Ko Tate Naing Secretary +95(0) Organizations Release 94280 23828 Ko Bo Kyi Joint Secretary +66(0) 81 29 June Joint Statement Over 9628 713 Lawsuit Filed Against four Concerns About Section farmers in Salingyi 66(d) - Progressive Voice Township - The Irrawaddy Six Arrested and Charged, Including Three 61 Burmese and Journalists in Namhsan International Human Right Organizations Township - Democratic Release Joint Statement Voice of Burma

Over Concerns About 30 June Section 66(d) - ASEAN Parliamentarians for Hundreds Protest in Human Rights Yangon Against Arrests Of Journalists and Section Six Arrested and Charged, 66(d) - The Irrawaddy Including Three Six Arrested and Charged, Journalists in Namhsan Township - The Including Three Journalists, in Namhsan Voice/Burmese Six Township - The New York Arrested and Charged, Times Including Three Voice Editor and Satirist Journalists in Namhsan Township - Myanmar Arrested Over 66(d) Charges - Radio Free Asia Times/Burmese Six Voice Editor and Satirist Arrested and Charged, Including Three Arrested Over 66(d) Journalists in Namhsan Charges - The Irrwaddy 66(d) Charge Dropped Township - 7 Day against Voice Columnist Daily/Burmese Six Arrested and Charged, but not Chief Editor - Including Three DVB/Burmese 66(d) Charge Dropped against

Voice Columnist but not

Journalists in Namhsan Township - VOA/Burmese Chief Editor - Irrawaddy/Burmese 61 Burmese and 66(d) Charge Dropped International Human Right against Voice Columnist Organizations Release

JUNE 2017 27