August Chronology 2017

AUGUST CHRONOLOGY 2017

Summary of the Current Situation:

There are 229 individuals oppressed in Burma due to political activities,

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Table of Contents

Contents POLITICAL PRISONERS ...... 3 ▪ ARRESTS...... 3 ▪ CHARGES ...... 4 ▪ DETENTION ...... 5 ▪ TRIALS ...... 6 ▪ SENTENCES …………………………………………………………………….10 ▪ RELEASES ...... 11 RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS ...... 13 LEGISLATION AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS ...... 15 INSTITUTIONAL REFORM ...... 18 REFERENCES ...... 20

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POLITICAL PRISONERS

▪ ARRESTS

Former Child Soldier Arrested for (18 August 2017 - RFA) (19 August 2017 - Speaking Out RFA/Burmese) (19 August 2017 - The On August 18, former child soldier, Aung Ko Voice/Burmese)(19 August 2017 - Htway, abducted at the age of 14, who BBC/Burmese)(20 August 2017 - 7 Day served in the Burma Military, was arrested Daily/Burmese) (21 August 2017 - by police for allegedly ‘defaming’ the DVB/Burmese)(21 August 2017 - Frontier Military under Section 505(b) of the Penal Myanmar)(21 August 2017 - Mizzima)(21 Code in an interview he gave to Radio Free August 2017 - RFA) Asia (RFA) earlier in the month about his experiences. His first court hearing is Mandalay Journalist Arrested in Section scheduled to take place on September 1. In 66(d) Lawsuit the interview,, he recounted how he was On August 28, Mandalay-based freelance taken by a Sergeant and sold to another journalist Zaw Moe Htet was arrested in soldier at a military market. Next, he was relation to charges filed against him under taken to a soldier recruitment center where Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications recruits were “Treated like animals” and Law for posting ‘defamatory’ comments on confined to overcrowded cells. At night, he Facebook about Kachin State Chief Minister and other child soldiers were forced to Dr. Khet Aung. The lawsuit against Zaw perform intensive manual labor, such as Moe Htet was filed on August 26 by Dr. unloading timber from trucks. After Aung Mai, the son of the Kachin State Chief completing four months of training at a Minister, who took offense to the ‘tongue- Military camp in Monywa, he was assigned in-cheek’ and critical comments posted to Infantry Unit #332 and served as a online by the journalist. Zaw Moe Htet security guard in the Kokang Region of Shan reportedly issued an apology State. Wanting to pursue his ambition to and his comments were withdrawn on become a doctor, he asked his superiors to Facebook. attend university. He was permitted to (29 August 2017 - Democratic Voice of attend a school for soldiers in Lashio, Burma)(29 August 2017 - Eleven/Burmese)(30 however, students were not taught August 2017 - Eleven) academically and were required to perform manual labor instead. Before being recently released in July, he spent nearly ten years in prison for trying to escape from the Military while at the so-called school for soldiers. His death sentence was reduced to a life sentence as a result of a presidential amnesty during the U Thein Sein Government and reduced again to a sentence of ten years in 2015 following another presidential amnesty.

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▪ CHARGES

Seven Farmers Arrested Over Land Thar Zan Township Police Station in Disputes Released on Bail Mandalay Division regarding defamatory On August 3, seven farmers from Dawei Facebook posts he was accused of City, Tennasserim Division, were arrested publishing about State Counselor Daw Aung once more under Section 447 and 427 of the San Su Kyi as well as the Mandalay Division Penal Code for criminal trespass and Government and Parliament. The defendant mischief for preventing the Dawei Shwe Ba has stated that he was the owner of Development Public Company (DDPC) from the Facebook account named “Min Tharr working on five acres of confiscated land, Gyi”, however, he maintains he did not originally belonging to the farmers. The personally post any defamatory photos, land was confiscated by authorities as part words or cartoons on the account. The of the Dawei City Project Area so that the plaintiff in the case has been identified as DDPC could build a private school. man named Tun Linn. According to one of the seven farmers, (25 August 2017 – Mizzima/Burmese) Chairperson of the Dawei District Farmers Union, Ye Htwe, the lands were seized Five Villagers Charged for Cultivating without notice or compensation. She and Their Confiscated Lands one of the other arrested farmers stated Five villagers from Law Ka Htoo Village, that they were taken to the Dawei Township Karen State, were charged under Section Police Station and were released on bail the 447 of the Penal Code by four staff members same day after appearing before the Dawei of the Law Pi Ta hydropower project for Township Court. Previously, on May 13, cultivating their ancestral lands that were they were arrested under Sections 447 and confiscated in 1983 to implement the Law Pi 427 of the Penal Code for preventing the Ta hydropower project. Though the lands DDPC from working on their lands and were abandoned by authorities in 1999, building the private school. The farmers farmers were not allowed to cultivate them. were released on bail the same day at the In 2012, villagers heard that the confiscated Dawei Township Police Station (see May lands were abandoned again. They Chronology). 350 acres of land were seized therefore planned to utilize the lands once in total for the New Dawei City Project. more but were prohibited by authorities. Farmers have asked for their lands to be Resident farmer and one of the villagers returned back to them if they are not being charged, Lu Yal, said that they were charged used for the project and to be properly by staff members of the project, who compensated if their lands are being used as allegedly still have the land ownership title, part of the project. In addition, they have because they cultivated approximately 30 asked that the development of the project acres of the confiscated lands. In addition, be stopped until their demands are met. he stated that they wanted their lands back. (3 August 2017 – RFA/Burmese) Senior Lawyer Mar Tee Noe, representing the accused, said that farmers did not apply Lawsuit Filed Against Ward for an ownership application because of a Administrator Under Section 66(d) lack of knowledge about property laws and On August 6, a lawsuit was filed against because some documents were damaged or Obo-Shwe Kyin Ward Administrator Shwe not saved. As a result of the charges against Ba under Section 66(d) of the the farmers, it has been difficult for them to Telecommunication Law at the Aung Myay work. (17 August 2017 – BNI/Burmese)

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▪ DETENTION

Manton Township Residents Detained In early August, approximately ten residents from Manton Township, Shan State, were arrested and detained by the Burma Military. On August 5, Military vehicles were attacked near Manton Township, which prompted Light Infantry Division #77 to conduct inspections of residential houses in Manton Township. Soldiers allegedly arbitrary arrested and detained approximately ten individuals, including ethnic Kachin and Palaung residents. Family members were denied access to the residents who remain detained at the time of writing on August 11. (11 August 2017 - Burma News International)(11 August 2017 - Burma News International/Burmese)

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▪ TRIALS

Voice Daily Editor Released on Bail (4 August 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (4 August On August 4, during a hearing at the Bahan 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (4 August 2017 - Township Court in Yangon, The Voice Daily VOA/Burmese) (4 August 2017 - Editor, Kyaw Min Swe was released on bail Irrawaddy/Burmese) (4 August 2017 - at 22 million kyat (about USD$20,200). 20 Mizzima/Burmese) (4 August 2017 - The million kyat (about USD$18,400) worth of Irrawaddy)(4 August 2017 - Democratic the posted bail bond related to his original Voice of Burma)(4 August 2017 - Frontier charge under Section 66(d) of the Myanmar)(4 August 2017 - Radio Free Asia) Telecommunications Law and the other 2 (4 August 2017 - New Haven Register) (5 million kyat (about USD$1,800) to another August 2017 - Eleven) ( 5 August 2017 - 7 charge under Section 25(b) of the News Day Daily/Burmese) (8 August 2017 - Media Law, referred to as the ‘Media Law’. Myanmar Times)(18 August 2017 - Both charges, filed by Lieutenant Colonel Myanmar Times) Lin Tun, were related to the same satirical article published in the Voice Daily that Former Taungoo Student Union questioned Burma’s peace process. Kyaw Members Face Trial Min Swe was arrested along with satirist On June 19, Lieutenant Colonel Tun Min Kyaw Zwa Naing A.K.A. British Ko Ko Maung Aung from the Burma Military Southern on June 2. He was denied bail nine times Command filed charges under Section during the two-month period he was 505(b) of the Penal Code against former detained. Charges under Section 66(d) members of the Taungoo Student Union - against Kyaw Zwa Naing were dropped but Bago Division, Aung Htet, and Victor for he still faces a lawsuit under Section 25(b) singing songs about constitutional of the Media Law and was released on bail amendments during the Thingyan water set at 1 million kyat (about USD$730). On festival in Taungoo in April. On August 1, August 4, Kyaw Min Swe held a press upon being summoned to Taungoo conference with reporters and spoke out Township Court, Aung Hhet was arrested about how authorities are skirting the and detained without possibility of bail, as protocols outlined in the Media Law to is normally the case for charges under prosecute journalists. As a former secretary Section 505(b). While in detention awaiting of the Burma Press Council himself, he trial at the Taungoo Township Prison, Aung spoke of how the prosecution of media Htet was was attacked by another inmate personnel should only be made after a named Nyi Nyi Naing, who repeatedly beat complaint is filed with the Council, as him over the head with a rock. Aung Htet’s outlined in the Media Law. At a court lawyer blamed the incident on improper hearing held on August 17, Kyaw Min Swe’s supervision by prison guards and accused lawyer made an appeal to consolidate the prison officials, who allegedly deliberately two cases against his client into one. The placed rocks near the jail cell, of provoking appeal was rejected by the court which the attack. On August 15, Aung Htet reasoned that the cases were distinct appeared in court for a hearing and was because the charges filed under Section granted bail upon request by his lawyer on 66(d) were in relation to the online version the grounds of the injury he sustained. Aung of the satirical article while the charges Htet is scheduled to next appear in court on under Section 25(b) were based on the print August 29. A warrant is still out for Victor’s version of the article. Kyaw Min Swe was arrest. Victor was expected to turn himself scheduled to appear in court on August 31. in to police in Taungoo but remains at large.

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(2 August 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (2 August Augmyethazan Township Court for their 2017 - The Irrawaddy) (7 August 2017 - 7 first court hearing and were granted bail. Day Daily/Burmese) (15 August 2017 - The individuals were charged in relation to RFA) (15 August 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (15 a sit-in protest in Mandalay, attended by August 2017 - Eleven/Burmese) (16 August more than 100 farmers who demanded the 2017 - The Irrawaddy) Government resolve land confiscation issues, which have led to many lawsuits Lawsuit Filed Against 58 Farmers for filed against land protesters. The protest Staging a Ploughing Protest referred to in the case lasted from July 7 - A lawsuit has been filed against 58 local July 28 when it was forcibly broken up by farmers from Say Ta Lone Village, Pyin Oo police (See July Chronology). Charges were Lwin Township, Mandalay Division for filed under Sections 19 and 20 of the PAPPL staging a ploughing protest on their lands against eleven activists, including 88 that were confiscated. The two plaintiffs in Generation student leaders and members of the case, managers of a coffee project on the the Mandalay Division Conflict Mediation confiscated land, filed charges against the Committee, Aung Thu and Soe Htay. On farmers under Section 447 of the Penal August 4, an arrest warrant was issued for Code and under Section 26 as well as the pair who stated that they would go to Section 27 of the Vacant, Fallow, and Virgin the police station on August 9 after a Land Act. In 1996, 1,000 acres of land in the memorial service of the 88 Uprising on area were confiscated to implement a coffee August 8. project. Local farmers cultivated the (4 August 2017 – VOA/Burmese) (18 confiscated lands that were not being used August 2017 – Eleven/Burmese) (19 for the coffee plantation project in 2016 and August 2017 - Eleven) a lawsuit was subsequently filed against them. The convicted farmers have claimed Myanmar Now Chief Editor Attends that the lands were ancestral and that their Third Trial Hearing families had cultivated the lands for On August 21, Myanmar Now Chief Editor generations. They also claimed to have Swe Win, who faces defamation charges documents showing taxes that were paid on under Section 66(d) of the the land. On August 16, 18 out of the 58 local Telecommunications Law, appeared before farmers appeared before the Pyin Oo Lwin the Maha Aung Myay Township Court, Township Court for an initial court hearing Mandalay Division for his third trial hearing. and applied for bail in relation to the In March, Kyaw Myo Swe filed a lawsuit charges under Section 26 and Section 27 of against the prominent investigative the Vacant, Fallow, and Virgin Land Act. The journalist for publishing a Facebook post Pyin Oo Lwin Township Court granted them condemning leader of the ultra-nationalist bail. Their next trial was scheduled for group the Association for the Protection of August 28. AAPP will report on the outcome Race and Religion (Ma Ba Tha), U Wirathu, of the trial as and when it receives the who publicly lauded the murder of legal information. advocate and National League for (21 August 2017 – Eleven/Burmese) Democracy (NLD) advisor U Ko Ni. The court hearing adjourned prematurely as the Protesting Farmers and Activists on plaintiff in the case, Kyaw Myo Swe, was not Trial for Protest in Mandalay in attendance because he was in judicial On August 18, 11 farmers and activists custody for participation in a nationalist facing charges under Section 20 of the anti-government protest held in Mandalay Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession on August 4. Swe Win was arrested by Law (PAPPL) appeared at the police at the Yangon Airport on July 30 on

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fears that he was fleeing the charges against Pathein Township Court, who claimed that him. He was taken to Mandalay on July 31 the drama acted out by the students and released on bail the same day. The damaged the reputation of the Army and unfolding of the case has led to a number of their families. On May 12, two students CSOs, including the International named Aung Khant Zaw and Myat Thu Htet, Federation of Journalists (IFJ), releasing were officially charged under Section 500 of statements urging the Government to the Penal code by the Pathein Township repeal or significantly amend Section 66(d). Court Judge, Win Aung, for defaming the In a related development, according to the military, but the seven others, who now face Sanchaung Township Police Chief Aung a retrial, were acquitted. (See January Lwin, permission has been received from Chronology and May Chronology). the Ministry of Transportation and (1 August 2017 – RFA/Burmese) Communication to charge Kyaw Myo Swe. In March, Mya Mya Htay from Sanchaung Three Journalists and Three Civilians on Township, Rangoon Division, filed a suit Trial Denied Bail under Section 66(d) of the On August 4, the Hsipaw Township Court Telecommunications Law against Kyaw Judge in Shan State rejected a bail request Myo Shwe over a Facebook post allegedly put forward by six individuals, including defaming Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. (See three journalists who were charged under attached: March Chronology) Section 17/1 of the Unlawful Associations (1 August 2017 - ASEAN Economist)(2 Act in July. Journalists Aye Naing and Pyae August 2017 - Burma News International)(3 Phone Aung, from the Democratic Voice of August 2017 - Mizzima)(2 August 2017 - Burma (DVB), Thein Zaw A.K.A. Lawi Weng, International Federation of Journalists)(7 from The Irrawaddy as well as civilians Mai August 2017 - The Irrawaddy)(7 August Tun Aye, Mai San Nyunt, and Mai Aung 2017 - Democratic Voice of Burma)(7 Kham were arrested on June 26 near August 2017 - Myanmar Times)(7 August Myothit village in Namhsan Township, Shan 2017 - Frontier Myanmar)(22 August 2017 State, by the Military during their return - Mizzima)(21 August 2017 – The Voice – from covering a drug destroying ceremony Burmese) (21 August 2017 - The conducted by the Ta’ang National Voice/Burmese) (21 August 2017 - Liberation Army (TNLA), in Mizzima/Burmese) commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking. Seven Students to be Retried for The group was arrested on alleged Defamation affiliations with the TNLA, an Ethnic Armed On August 1, the Pathein District Court in Group (EAG) that is currently engaged in Irrawaddy Division ordered a retrial to be conflict with the Military and is classified as conducted in the case of the seven students an “illegal organization” by the Government. who were acquitted of defamation charges The individuals were allegedly denied bail in May, following an appeal submitted by on the grounds that they were not residents the plaintiff to the Pathein District Court. On of the area where the trial was being held January 17, the Military filed a lawsuit and that releasing them would potentially against nine students for defamation after create logistical difficulties with regards to they staged a drama critical of the armed their attendance of future court hearings. clashes between ethnic groups and the Plaintiff Captain Thet Naing Oo who filed Military, during a peace discussion at The the case at the Hsipaw Police Station gave Bassein Hotel in Pathein, Irrawaddy testimony during the defendant’s initial Division. The complaint was filed by court hearing on July 28 and again on Lieutenant Colonel Aung Myo Khaing at the August 4. While on a five-day trip inspecting

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prison facilities in Shan State, Members of DVB/Burmese) (11 August 2017 - The the Myanmar National Human Rights Voice/Burmese) (11 August 2017 - Commission (MNHRC) interviewed the DVB/Burmese) (11 August 2017 - The detainees at Hsipaw Prison to investigate Irrawaddy)(11 August 2017 - The the legality of their detention on August 9. Irrawaddy) (12 August 2017 - 7 Day Member of the MNHRC Yu Lwin Aung spoke Daily/Burmese) (12 August 2017 - The to reporters following the interview and Irrawaddy)(11 August 2017 - Democratic stated that the journalists appeared to be in Voice of Burma)(11 August 2017 - Radio good health. Yu Lwin Aung also described Free Asia)(17 August 2017 - Myanmar details of the prisoners pretrial detention to Now)(18 August 2017 - The Irrawaddy)(18 media as revealed to him by the prisoners. August 2017 - Democratic Voice of Burma) The journalists said that they were held (18 August 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (18 without food for one day and forced to sleep August 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (18 on a concrete floor one night while being August 2017 - BBC/Burmese) (18 August kept incommunicado at a Military base in 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (18 August 2017 - Namhsan Township, Shan State. On August The Voice/Burmese) (18 August 2017 - 11, the defendants attended their third trial VOA/Burmese) (18 August 2017 - hearing at the Hsipaw Township Court. DVB/Burmese) (19 August 2017 - 7 Day Lawyers of the six defendants appealed the Daily/Burmese) (21 August 2017 - previous decision of the court to deny the DVB/Burmese) (21 August 2017 - Myanmar six bail. Prosecution witnesses Major Myat Times)(25 August 2017 - The Irrawaddy) Mon Aung and Captain Thaw Zin Aung did (25 August 2017 - Myanmar not attend the trial and provide testimony, Times/Burmese) likely prolonging the trial. On August 18, during a court hearing at the Hsipaw Trial of ABSDF Member Continues Township Court, the defendant’s appeal for On August 23, the last defence witness gave bail was rejected by judge Kyaw Moe Thu, testimony in the case against Central citing national security concerns and fears Committee Member of the All Burma that granting bail to the defendants could Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF), Min possibly prolong the trial. On August 25, the Htay, who faces charges under Section 17/1 three journalists and three civilians of the Unlawful Associations Act. He was appeared at the Hsipaw Township Court for arrested by Captain Thet Swe Lin from #21 a court hearing, during which they Military Operation Command Headquarters submitted new requests to be granted bail. on December 28, 2016, at the Sein Lone (4 August 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (4 August military checkpoint on the Bhamo-Lweje 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (4 August Highway on suspicion of helping the Kachin 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese) (4 August 2017 - Independence Army (KIA) (See January The Voice/Burmese) (4 August 2017 - The Chronology). Since the time of his arrest, he Irrawaddy)(4 August 2017 - Democratic has been detained in Bhamo Prison, Kachin Voice of Burma) (5 August 2017 - 7 Day State. He has reportedly been suffering from Daily/Burmese) (7 August 2017 - The high blood pressure. Min Htay’s next court Irrawaddy)(9 August 2017 - The hearing is scheduled for August 30 and a Irrawaddy) (10 August 2017 - Myanmar sentence is expected to be delivered in early Now) (10 August 2017 - BBC/Burmese) (10 September. August 2017 - The Voice/Burmese) (10 (16 August 2017 - RFA/Burmese)(16 August 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (10 August August 2017 - 7 Day Dayily/Burmese)(24 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (10 August August 2017 - Mizzima) 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (11 August 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (11 August 2017 -

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▪ SENTENCES

Farmers Charged by USDP Fined by Associations Act. The men had organized a Kyaukse Township Court football match dubbed the ‘Arakan Army On August 2, the Kyaukse Township Court, Cup’ among other events, commemorating Mandalay Division, sentenced three farmers the founding of the Arakan Army, an Ethnic from Tha Mann Thar Village in Kyaukse Armed Group (EAG) the Government deems Township to pay a 500 kyat (about ‘illegal’, on April 10, 2009. Authorities had USD$0.37) fine or spend 15 days pressured Nanda Thara not to go through imprisonment under Section 447 of the with the events. The men were charged with Penal Code for trespassing. Kyaw Shwe, one “Having connections to an unlawful of three farmers sentenced said that they association” under Section 17/1 of the paid the fine at the court. In 2004, the Unlawful Association Act. Ministry of Science and Technology (30 August 2017 - BNI/Burmese)(31 confiscated 419 acres of land that were August 2017 - DVB/Burmese)(31 August owned by the local farmers from Tha Mann 2017 - RFA/Burmese) Thar Village, That Yet Pin Village Tract. The lands were later allegedly handed over to the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). In January 2016, the USDP received the ownership title. Therefore, local farmers were charged when they continued cultivating the lands. Since March 2016, farmers Kyaw Sein, Hla Thein, Wai Kyi and Khin Maung Tint have been on trial. The plaintiff in the case was former Kyaukse Township USDP Member Than Tun. According to the Kyaukse Township Court, Khin Maung Tint was removed from the case because he passed away on July 18. (3 August 2017 – The Voice/Burmese)

Organizers of Football Match Commemorating Founding Day of Arakan Army Sentenced to Two Years Imprisonment On August 30, Abbot Nanda Thara and Khine Ni Min were sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labor under Section 17/1 of the Unlawful Associations Act by the Mrauk-U Township Court in Arakan State. Lawyer Tun Hla, who represents the pair, that are currently serving their sentence in Sittwe prison in Arakan State, said that they will appeal the sentence. On April 10, they were arrested in Mrauk Oo Township after a case was filed against them on April 8 by a Light Infantry Battalion #540 under the Unlawful

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▪ RELEASES

Seven Students Released from Prison Shan State. In the early morning of August 3, Following Matriculation Exam ten Kon Kone villagers were arrested by LIB #249 and accused of association with the Success Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan On August 5, five student inmates from Obo State Army-South (RCSS/SSA-S). However, Prison in Mandalay and two student on the morning of the same day, the Military inmates from Insein Prison in Rangoon who released 16-year old student Sai Nwan Main passed Burma’s matriculation with and released eight other villagers that night, distinction in June were released from following meetings between members of prison under presidential amnesty. This LIB #249 and village tract administrators, was the first year that student inmates were villager elders and members of the arrest permitted to study and take the individuals’ families. One villager still matriculation exam at Obo Prison. Seven remains in detention. students in total passed the exam this year. (3 August 2017 – Irrawaddy/Burmese)(4 (7 August 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (7 August August 2017 – VOA/Burmese)(4 August 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (7 August 2017 – Tai Freedom/Burmese)(8 August 2017 - Mizzima/Burmese) (7 August 2017 - 2017 – Irrawaddy/Burmese) The Voice/Burmese) (8 August 2017 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (8 August 2017 - The 11 Villagers Detained by Military Irrawaddy) (9 August 2017 - Myanmar Released Times) (9 August 2017 - VOA/Burmese) On August 13, after negotiations held between the Military and the Peace-talk Five Farmers Acquitted of Charges for Creation Group (PCG), 11 detained villagers Opposing Land Confiscation from Ka Sont Village, Mogaung Township in On August 4, five farmers were acquitted of Kachin State were released by the Military. charges under Sections 447 and 427 of the The 11 Ka Sont villagers were arrested and Penal Code for trespassing and mischief by detained by the Military following fighting the Myittha Township Court in Mandalay near Ka Sont Village between the Military Division. On October 18, 2015, they staged a and Kachin Independence Army (KIA). protest on their confiscated lands. In 1963 (14 August 2017 – VOA/Burmese) as well as from 1979-1980 and from 1983- Women Falsely Convicted Under Section 1984, the Ministry of Agriculture and 66(d) Suffers Irrigation confiscated lands that were Factory worker Khin Myo Thin, from Bago owned by local farmers for cotton research. Division, who was wrongfully convicted in Win Myint, manager of the cotton research March under Section 66(d) of the farm, was the plaintiff in the case. Telecommunications Law regarding (4 August 2017 – The Voice/Burmese) ‘defamatory’ Facebook posts published by an account she maintains was not hers, is Nine of Ten People Arrested from reportedly suffering negative consequences Southern Shan State Released as a result of her false conviction. She was On August 3, Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) allegedly arrested at night on March 5 by #249 based in Pinlaung Township, plainclothed police upon suspicion that she commanded by the Eastern Military was the owner of the Facebook account that Headquarters in Taunggyi City, released had published ‘defamatory’ posts online. nine villagers from Kon Kone Village in Mine She was released after spending 15 nights in Pyin Village Tract in Hopong Township, jail, but her case has yet to be withdrawn, despite a court order being sent on August 7

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to the Waw Township Police instructing the case to be closed. Since being convicted, she has lost her job. (25 August 2017 - Eleven)

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RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS

Chin Student Union Appeal Expulsion of were able to tend lands with temporary Salai Nein Tun permission until 2012 when all farmers On August 2, General Secretary for the Chin (approximately 350) were banned Student Union of Myanmar announced that completely. Hosts of the press conference the organization would be sending a alleged that over 100 fellow farmers in the statement appealing the expulsion of area are currently facing lawsuits under the Forestry Law for attempting to continue second year student Salai Nein Tun from the using the lands. Nationalities Youth Resource Development (3 August 2017 - Eleven) Degree College. Salai Nein Tun was expelled from the college on July 28 in relation to his FIDH Calls for Charges to be Dropped postings on Facebook that were critical of Against Farmers and Activists the Government and Military (See July On August 8, the International Federation Chronology). The college has not officially for Human Rights (FIDH) published a press acknowledged his expulsion from the release urging Burmese authorities to drop school but instructed him to return to his charges against 11 farmers and two land parents. Previously on July 30, the Chin rights activists in relation to a ploughing Student Union of Myanmar along with protest staged on October 8, 2016 (See student unions from seven states, the All October Chronology 2016). The peaceful protest was held as a symbolic gesture to Burma Federation of Students Unions and signify that the farmers still claimed other organizations based in the town of ownership over the disputed land. Pakokku released a joint statement Following charges filed by two private condemning the expulsion of Salai Nein Tun. companies - Cooperative Bank and Ar-raw (2 August 2017 - Myanmar Times) Gyan Pharmaceutical - and one local businessman, the 11 farmers and activists Irrawaddy Farmers Speak out About Toe Gyi and Myo Win were arrested on Land Confiscation October 23, 2016. The 13 individuals were On August 2, farmers from the Irrawaddy officially charged on October 24, 2016, Division held a press conference during under Sections 114 (abetment), 353 which they spoke to media about how they (assault of a public servant), 427 (mischief), have been affected by land seizures under 447 (trespass), and 506 (intimidation) of former Government regimes. According to the Penal Code. After four months in one farmer, Khin Oo, from Shwekyuntha detention, they were granted bail, however, Village, Labutta Township, approximately the Pyin Oo Lwin Township Court revoked 8,000 acres of land were seized from 1983 their bail issuances on June 1, 2017, and to 1984, when the area was then home to issued new arrest warrants. Toe Gyi and 200 residents. Years later, farmers began eight farmers appeared in court on August using the confiscated land unofficially in 10 and were taken to Obo Prison, Mandalay 1998 until both the Forestry Department to be detained. Myo Win and one of the and the Settlement and Land Records farmers were not present at the court and as Department issued registration cards to a result the judge gave the pair 15 days to farmers for growing crops. Some farmers present themselves to the court.

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Protestors demanded to know why a curfew (8 August 2017 - International Federation had been imposed in the area. In addition, for Human Rights) (11 August 2017 - The they also called for intervention into the Irrawaddy) land issue from the land investigation commission, the right to move freely on Farmers in Katha and Htigyaing village roads, the return of their lands and a Townships Stage Protest Over ban on dumping industrial waste into Confiscated Lands streams. Residents in the area are greatly On August 13, between 150 and 200 inconvenienced by a curfew that restricts farmers from Katha and Htigyaing their movement, which was imposed along Townships, Sagaing Division, staged a with a ban on about 20 activities, some protest demanding the return of their essential to the livelihoods of locals. confiscated lands. Between 2005 and 2008, (18 August 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (18 various companies including Great Wall, August 2017 - Eleven/Burmese) (19 August Honda-Myanmar, Good Brother, YFC and an 2017 - Eleven) industrial nickel project, allegedly illegally confiscated over 16,000 acres of land from 17 village tracts in Katha and Htigyaing Townships. Even though local farmers had submitted a case for the issue to be resolved by the Committee for Scrutinizing Confiscated Farmlands and Other Lands, the Committee still has not worked on it. When companies confiscated the land, farmers received 50,000 kyat (about USD$37) per acre of land for crop compensation if the lands were already cultivated and Good Brother Company compensated 200,000 kyat (USD$150) per acre of sugarcane field that was confiscated. (13 August 2017 - DVB/Burmese)(14 August 2017 – 7 Day Daily/Burmese)

Pauk Township Residents Protest Over Land Confiscation for Military Equipment Factory On August 18, approximately 500 residents from Pauk Township, Pakokku District, Magway Region, affected by the confiscation of land for the construction of Defence Equipment Factory No.24, staged a protest expressing their grievances and difficulties as a result of the land confiscation. Farmers have been inadequately compensated since 30,000 acres of farmland across 12 villages in Pauk Township were confiscated for the construction of the factory in 2008.

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LEGISLATION AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS

Lower House MPs Deem Amendments to amendments to Sections 66(a)(b), and (d), Farmland Law Inadequate out of 224 seats, 153 voted in favor, 24 On July 31, 26 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted against, four abstained, and 11 were from the Lower House of Parliament absent. The Upper House Bill Committee’s discussed the proposed Bill to amend the accepted proposal made minor Farmland Law and concluded that the amendments to Section 66(d) but preserved revisions to the piece of legislation were much of the core provisions. Third parties lacking. MPs cited concerns about the would be prohibited from filing cases unless amendments having the potential to foster granted legal power to do so by the corruption and the vague wording of certain ‘defamed’ individual. The amendment protocols. Last month, the Land in Our Hand allowed for the possibility of bail to be (LIOH) network, consisting of nearly 50 civil granted to the defendant but will still be left society organizations, released a joint to the discretion of the judge. On August 10, statement in objection to the proposed the Lower House Bill Committee presented amendments (See July Chronology). Global their observations to the Lower House on Witness also released a similar statement in the amendments to the July, urging the Government to be more Telecommunications Law approved by the thorough in regard to land legislation Upper House. The Committee made an reform. appeal for the prison sentence outlined in (2 August 2017 - Myanmar Times) the Law to be reduced from a maximum of three years to a maximum of two years, Parliament Amends enabling the offense to become bailable. The Telecommunications Law Code of Criminal Procedure prohibits the On August 2, the Upper House of Parliament issue of bail for offenses that carry approved amendments proposed by the sentences that are three years or longer, Upper House Bill Committee to the restricting the provision of bail in most controversial Telecommunications Law. Telecommunications Law cases. On August Following heated debate, Members of 18, the Lower House Bill Committee’s Parliament (MPs) voted on two proposals, proposed amendments to the law were including one that sought to terminate approved by the Lower House. On August Sections 66(c) and 66(d), and another put 24, the Bill was forwarded back to the Upper forward by the Upper House Bill Committee, House where it was passed. The Bill was which proposed minor amendments to later confirmed by the Parliament on Sections 66(a)(b), and (d). According to August 25 and approved by President U National League for Democracy (NLD) MP Htin Kyaw on August 29. Tin Aung Tun, who submitted the proposal (2 August 2017 - The Irrawaddy)(2 August the previous week for articles 66(c) and 2017 - Anadolu Ajansi)(2 August 2017 - 66(d) to be repealed, out of 224 seats, 59 Coconuts) (2 August 2017 - RFA/Burmese) MPs voted in favor, 92 objected, 23 (2 August 2017 - The Voice/Burmese) (2 abstained, and 19 did not attend the vote August 2017 - VOA/Burmese) (3 August but were present in Parliament. In the vote 2017 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (3 August on the Upper House Bill Committee’s 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (3 August 2017 - proposal seeking to make minor VOA/Burmese) (3 August 2017 - Mizzima)

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conviction but was allowed to re-enroll in (3 August 2017 - Voice of America)(5 June. August 2017 - The Irrawaddy)(3 August (9 August 2017 - RFA/Burmese)(11 August 2017 - Eleven)(5 August 2017 - Khao Sod 2017 - Myanmar Times) English) (10 August 2017 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (10 August 2017 - Four of Eight NCA Principles Agreed The Voice/Burmese) (10 August 2017 - 7 Upon by DPN and Peace Commission Day Daily/Burmese) (10 August 2017 - The On August 10-11, the Delegation for Irrawaddy) (15 August 2017 - Political Negotiation (DPN), consisting of VOA/Burmese) (18 August 2017 - delegates representing the ethnic armed RFA/Burmese) (18 August 2017 - group alliance known as the United VOA/Burmese) (18 August 2017 - Nationalities Federation Council (UNFC), Irrawaddy/Burmese) (19 August 2017 - 7 agreed to four principles out of eight during Day Daily/Burmese) (19 August 2017 - its sixth meeting with the Government’s Reuters)(19 August 2017 - Mizzima)(18 Peace Commission. The principles agreed August 2017 - Radio Free Asia)(21 August upon related to the signing of a nationwide 2017 - Myanmar Times) (21 August 2017 - ceasefire agreement (NCA) and the Mizzima/Burmese) (22 August 2017 - establishment of a federal union. The Eleven/Burmese) (22 August 2017 - remaining four points will be discussed at Myanmar Times)(22 August 2017 - Frontier an upcoming meeting, during which DPN Myanmar)(24 August 2017 - The members hope to conclude the agreement. Irrawaddy) (24 August 2017 - The On August 12, UNFC member Shan State Voice/Burmese) (24 August 2017 - Progressive Party/Shan State Army-North DVB/Burmese) (25 August 2017 - (SSPP/SSA-N) resigned from the Irrawaddy/Burmese) (25 August 2017 - coalition. The UNFC now consists of the BBC/Burmese) (26 August 2017 - The following Ethnic Armed Groups (EAGs): Irrawaddy)(31 August 2017 - Democratic Karenni National Progressive Party, New Voice of Burma) Mon State Party, Arakan National Council, and the Lahu Democratic Union. MOE Abolishes Rules Prohibiting (10 August 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (11 Student Participation in Political August 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (11 August Activities 2017 - DVB/Burmese) (12 August 2017 - On August 10, the Ministry of Education Eleven)(14 August 2017 - Democratic Voice (MoE) announced the cancellation of all of Burma) (15 August 2017 - Burma News rules that prohibit the participation of International)(18 August 2017 - Myanmar students in political activities. Six offences Times)(21 August 2017 - Democratic Voice outlined in the University Entrance Guide of Burma) Book, some of which carrying criminal penalties like Section (d), have been Upper House Approves Bill to Amend repealed. Sagaing Education College Penalties for Illicit Drug Offences student Zaw Ye Htut, who was expelled On August 16, the Upper House approved a from college for involvement in a protest bill to amend the Narcotic Drug and earlier this year was pleased about the Psychotropic Substances Law (NDPSL), change. Zaw Ye Htut was arrested on April changing the penalties associated with 26 and charged under Section 19 of the minor drug-related offences from lengthy Peaceful Procession and Peaceful Assembly prison sentences to community service. Law for protesting in front of the Under the existing current law, minor drug- Department of Higher Education in related offenses are punishable by prison Mandalay (see April Chronology). He was sentences of three to five years. Under the subsequently expelled from college for the amended law, offenders would receive

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sentences of community service ranging from 240 hours to 360 hours, possibly including tasks such as gardening, cleaning, road and bridge repair, and/or work for a social services organization. The amendment is the result of consultations held by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government’s Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to reform the NDPSL, Burma’s primary law on illicit drugs. (17 August 2017 - VOA/Burmese) (17

August 2017 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (17

August 2017 - Eleven/Burmese) (17 August

2017 - Democratic Voice of Burma)(19 August 2017 - The Irrawaddy)

AUGUST 2017 17

INSTITUTIONAL REFORM

MNHRC Submits Findings and BBC/Burmese) (10 August 2017 - The Recommendations Following Shan State Voice/Burmese) (10 August 2017 - Prisons Inspections DVB/Burmese) (10 August 2017 - On August 7, members of the Myanmar Irrawaddy/Burmese) (14 August 2017 - National Human Rights Commission Myanmar Times) (21 August 2017 - (MNHRC) began their five-day trip MNHRC/Burmese) (30 August 2017 - The inspecting prison facilities in Shan State. Irrawaddy) Inspections of jail cells in police stations and courts in Lashio and Hsipaw were carried CSOs Disproportionately Bear Burden of out as part of a broader mission to inspect Mental Health Care for Former Political prisons in Burma nationwide. The Prisoners inspection group was scheduled to meet In an article from the Democratic Voice of with three recently detained journalists and Burma (DVB) published on August 21, AAPP three civilians. The six individuals were Joint Secretary Ko Bo Kyi spoke to a arrested on June 26 near Myothit village in reporter about the lack of mental health Namhsan Township, Shan State, by the care provided by the Government to former Military during their return from a drug political prisoners, highlighting that civil destroying ceremony conducted by the society organizations (CSOs) such as AAPP Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), in have been left to fill this gap. Many former commemoration of the International Day political prisoners struggle to overcome Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking. depression, and anxiety, as well as feelings After interviewing the detained journalists of being shunned and isolated after their at Hsipaw Prison for nearly six hours, leader release from prison. Years of imprisonment of the inspection group Yu Lwin Aung stated and torture take a toll on the mental health that according to defendants’ accounts they of former political prisoners who, upon had not broken the law. The Commission their reintegration into society, are often forwarded their wider findings on the treated as outsiders, occasionally even by conditions of 14 prisons inspected by the their own families, which frequently results Commission, out of 46 in the country, to the in a lack of economic and social Ministry of Home Affairs and made opportunities. In light of the lack of state recommendation to the Ministry of Defence mental health services available to former regarding the case of the three detained political prisoners, despite the transition of journalists and three detained civilians, power to Burma’s civilian led Government stating that the individuals should have not that is staffed by several former political been arrested. Speaking to media, Yu Lwin prisoners, AAPP called on the Government stated that the MCHRC believes and has to adopt a reparations policy and a system recommended that no legal action should be of financial support for the numerous taken against the journalists covering the victims of state sanctioned abuses. drug burning ceremony, which was also (21 August 2017 - Democratic Voice of attended by locals as well as public servants, Burma) since the individuals were simply doing their jobs in a public space. (7 August 2017 - The Irrawaddy)(9 August 2017 - The Irrawaddy) (10 August 2017 -

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Three New Prisons to Open by the End of 2017 Spokesman of the Prisons Department, Min Tun Soe, has stated that new prisons in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State, and Daik-U Township, Bago Region, will open by the end of this year. He added that the opening of the new prisons could help ease some of the problems that plague the prison system in the country, such as prison overcrowding. Another prison is reportedly under construction in Magwe Region that could be completed in three years.

(20 August 2017 - RFA/Burmese) (20

August 2017 - Eleven/Burmese) (20 August 2017 - The Voice/Burmese) (22 August 2017 - Myanmar Times)

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REFERENCES 1 August Former Taungoo Student 4 August Seven Students to be Union Members Face Trial Voice Daily Editor Retried for Defamation - - RFA/Burmese Released on Bail - The RFA/Burmese Farmers Charged by USDP Irrawaddy Myanmar Now Chief Fined by Kyaukse Three Journalists and Editor Attends Third Trial Township Court - The Three Civilians on Trial Hearing - ASEAN Voice/Burmese Denied Bail - The Economist Irrawaddy Three Journalists and 3 August Three Civilians on Trial Myanmar Now Chief 2 August Denied Bail - Democratic Editor Attends Third Trial Myanmar Now Chief Voice of Burma Hearing - Mizzima Editor Attends Third Trial Three Journalists and Parliament Amends Hearing - Burma News Three Civilians on Trial Telecommunications Law International Denied Bail - - Mizzima Myanmar Now Chief RFA/Burmese Parliament Amends Editor Attends Third Trial Three Journalists and Telecommunications Law Hearing - International Three Civilians on Trial - 7 Day Daily/Burmese Federation of Journalists Denied Bail - Parliament Amends Parliament Amends Irrawaddy/Burmese Telecommunications Law Telecommunications Law Three Journalists and - DVB/Burmese - The Irrawaddy Three Civilians on Trial Parliament Amends Parliament Amends Denied Bail - Telecommunications Law Telecommunications Law Mizzima/Burmese - VOA/Burmese - Anadolu Ajansi Three Journalists and Ayeyarwady Farmers Parliament Amends Three Civilians on Trial Speak out About Land Telecommunications Law Denied Bail - The Confiscation - Eleven - Coconuts Voice/Burmese Parliament Amends Parliament Amends Voice Daily Editor Telecommunications Law Telecommunications Law Released on Bail - - Voice of America - RFA/Burmese Democratic Voice of Parliament Amends Parliament Amends Burma Telecommunications Law Telecommunications Law Voice Daily Editor - Eleven - The Voice/Burmese Released on Bail - Frontier Chin Student Union Parliament Amends Myanmar Appeal Expulsion of Salai Telecommunications Law Voice Daily Editor Nein Tun - Myanmar - VOA/Burmese Released on Bail - Radio Times Lower House MPs Deem Free Asia Seven Farmers Arrested Amendments to Framland Voice Daily Editor Over Land Disputes Law Inadequate - Released on Bail - Released on Bail - Myanmar Times Myanmar Now RFA/Burmese Former Taungoo Student Voice Daily Editor Nine of Ten People Union Members Face Trial Released on Bail - New Arrested From Southern - The Irrawaddy Haven Register Shan State Released - The Irrawaddy/Burmese

AUGUST 2017 20

Voice Daily Editor Myanmar Now Chief FIDH Calls for Charges to Released on Bail - Editor Attends Third Trial be Dropped Against DVB/Burmese Hearing - The Irrawaddy Farmers and Activists - Voice Daily Editor Myanmar Now Chief International Federation Released on Bail - Editor Attends Third Trial for Human Rights RFA/Burmese Hearing - Democratic Nine of Ten People Voice Daily Editor Voice of Burma Arrested From Southern Released on Bail - Myanmar Now Chief Shan State Released - The VOA/Burmese Editor Attends Third Trial Irrawaddy/Burmese Voice Daily Editor Hearing - Myanmar Times Released on Bail - Myanmar Now Chief 9 August Irrawaddy/Burmese Editor Attends Third Trial Seven Students Released Voice Daily Editor Hearing - Frontier From Prison Following Released on Bail - Myanmar Matriculation Exam Mizzima/Burmese Former Taungoo Student Success - Myanmar Times A Warrant Issued Against Union Members Face Trial Seven Students Released two Farmer Activists - - 7 Day Daily/Burmese From Prison Following VOA/Burmese Seven Students Released Matriculation Exam Five Farmers Acquitted of From Prison Following Success - VOA/Burmese Charges for Opposing Matriculation Exam MNHRC Inspects Shan Land Confiscation - The Success - DVB/Burmese State Prisons - The Voice/Burmese Nine of Seven Students Released Irrawaddy Ten People Arrested From From Prison Following MOE Abolishes Rules Southern Shan State Matriculation Exam Prohibiting Student Released - VOA/Burmese Success - Participation in Political Nine of Ten People Irrawaddy/Burmese Activities - RFA/Burmese Arrested From Southern Seven Students Released 10 August Shan State Released - Tai From Prison Following Parliament Amends Freedom/Burmese Matriculation Exam Telecommunications Law Success - - The Irrawaddy Mizzima/Burmese 5 August Parliament Amends Seven Students Released Voice Daily Editor Telecommunications Law From Prison Following Released on Bail - Eleven - Irrawaddy/Burmese Matriculation Exam Voice Daily Editor Parliament Amends Success - The Released on Bail - 7 Day Telecommunications Law Voice/Burmese Daily/Burmese - The Voice/Burmese Parliament Amends Parliament Amends Telecommunications Law 8 August Telecommunications Law - Khao Sod English Seven Students Released - 7 Day Daily/Burmese Three Journalists and From Prison Following Three Journalists and Three Civilians on Trial Matriculation Exam Three Civilians on Trial Denied Bail - 7 Day Success - The Irrawaddy Denied Bail - Myanmar Daily/Burmese Seven Students Released Now From Prison Following Three Journalists and Matriculation Exam Three Civilians on Trial 7 August Success - 7 Day Denied Bail - MNHRC Inspects Shan Daily/Burmese BBC/Burmese State Prisons - The Voice Daily Editor Three Journalists and Irrawaddy Released on Bail - Three Civilians on Trial Myanmar Times

AUGUST 2017 21

Denied Bail - The Three Journalists and Peace Commission - Voice/Burmese Three Civilians on Trial Eleven Three Journalists and Denied Bail - Radio Free Three Civilians on Trial Asia 13 August Denied Bail - Manton Township Farmers in Katha and DVB/Burmese Residents Detained - Htigyaing Townships Three Journalists and Burma News International Stage Protest Over Three Civilians on Trial Manton Township Confiscated Lands - Denied Bail - Residents Detained - DVB/Burmese Irrawaddy/Burmese Burma News Three Journalists and International/Burmese 14 August Three Civilians on Trial Three Journalists and MNHRC Inspects Shan Denied Bail - Three Civilians on Trial State Prisons - Myanmar DVB/Burmese Denied Bail - Times MNHRC Inspects Shan RFA/Burmese 4 of 8 NCA Principles State Prisons - Three Journalists and Agreed Upon by DPN and BBC/Burmese Three Civilians on Trial Peace Commission - MNHRC Inspects Shan Denied Bail - Democratic Voice of State Prisons - The DVB/Burmese Burma Voice/Burmese Three Journalists and Farmers in Katha and MNHRC Inspects Shan Three Civilians on Trial Htigyaing Townships State Prisons - Denied Bail - The Stage Protest Over DVB/Burmese Voice/Burmese Confiscated Lands - 7 Day MNHRC Inspects Shan Three Journalists and Daily/Burmese State Prisons - Three Civilians on Trial 11 Villagers Detained by Irrawaddy/Burmese Denied Bail - Military Released - Four of Eight NCA DVB/Burmese VOA/Burmese Principles Agreed Upon by Four of Eight NCA DPN and Peace Principles Agreed Upon by 15 August Commission - DPN and Peace 4 of 8 NCA Principles RFA/Burmese Commission - Agreed Upon by DPN and RFA/Burmese Peace Commission - Four of Eight NCA Burma News International 11 August Principles Agreed Upon by Former Taungoo Student MOE Abolishes Rules DPN and Peace Union Members Face Trial Prohibiting Student Commission - - Radio Free Asia Participation in Political DVB/Burmese Former Taungoo Student Activities - Myanmar Union Members Face Trial Times - RFA/Burmese Three Journalists and 12 August Former Taungoo Student Three Civilians on Trial Three Journalists and Union Members Face Trial Denied Bail - The Three Civilians on Trial - Eleven/Burmese Irrawaddy Denied Bail - The Parliament Amends FIDH Calls for Charges to Irrawaddy Telecommunications Law be Dropped Against Three Journalists and - VOA/Burmese Farmers and Activists - Three Civilians on Trial The Irrawaddy Denied Bail - 7 Day Three Journalists and Daily/Burmese 16 August Three Civilians on Trial 4 of 8 NCA Principles Former Taungoo Student Denied Bail - Democratic Agreed Upon by DPN and Union Members Face Trial Voice of Burma - The Irrawaddy

AUGUST 2017 22

Trial of ABSDF Member Denied Bail - Democratic Pauk Township Residents Continues - RFA/Burmese Voice of Burma Protest Over Land Trial of ABSDF Member Three Journalists and Confiscation for Military Continues - 7 Day Three Civilians on Trial Equipment Factory - Daily/Burmese Denied Bail - DVB/Burmese DVB/Burmese Pauk Township Residents Three Journalists and Protest Over Land 17 August Three Civilians on Trial Confiscation for Military Upper House Approves Denied Bail - Equipment Factory - Bill to Amend Illicit Drug DVB/Burmese Eleven/Burmese Penalties - Democratic Three Journalists and Voice of Burma Three Civilians on Trial Upper House Approves 19 August Denied Bail - Bill to Amend Illicit Drug Upper House Approves Irrawaddy/Burmese Penalties - VOA/Burmese Bill to Amend Penalties for Three Journalists and Upper House Approves Illicit Drug Offences - The Three Civilians on Trial Bill to Amend Illicit Drug Irrawaddy Denied Bail - Penalties - 7 Day Parliament Amends BBC/Burmese Daily/Burmese Telecommunications Law Three Journalists and Upper House Approves - Reuters Three Civilians on Trial Bill to Amend Illicit Drug Parliament Amends Denied Bail - Penalties - Telecommunications Law RFA/Burmese Eleven/Burmese - Mizzima Three Journalists and Three Journalists and Parliament Amends Three Civilians on Trial Three Civilians on Trial Telecommunications Law Denied Bail - The Denied Bail - Myanmar - 7 Day Daily/Burmese Voice/Burmese Now Protesting Farmers and Three Journalists and Five Villagers Charged for Activists on Trial for Three Civilians on Trial Cultivating on Their Protest in Mandalay - Denied Bail - Confiscated Lands - Eleven VOA/Burmese Burma News Former Child Soldier Parliament Amends International/Burmese Arrested for Speaking Out Telecommunications Law - RFA/Burmese - Radio Free Asia Former Child Soldier 18 August Parliament Amends Arrested for Speaking Out 4 of 8 NCA Principles Telecommunications Law - The Voice/Burmese Agreed Upon by DPN and - RFA/Burmese Former Child Soldier Peace Commission - Parliament Amends Arrested for Speaking Out Myanmar Times Telecommunications Law - BBC/Burmese Voice Daily Editor - VOA/Burmese Three Journalists and Released on Bail - Parliament Amends Three Civilians on Trial Myanmar Times Telecommunications Law Denied Bail - 7 Day Section 66(d) Lawsuit - Irrawaddy/Burmese Daily/Burmese Filed Against Rangoon Former Child Soldier Pauk Township Residents Resident - The Irrawaddy Arrested for Speaking Out Protest Over Land Three Journalists and - Radio Free Asia Confiscation for Military Three Civilians on Trial Protesting Farmers and Equipment Factory - Denied Bail - The Activists on Trial for Eleven Protest in Mandalay - Irrawaddy Three Journalists and Eleven/Burmese Three Civilians on Trial 20 August

AUGUST 2017 23

Hearing - The Parliament Amends Voice/Burmese Telecommunications Law Former Child Soldier Myanmar Now Chief - The Irrawaddy Arrested for Speaking Out Editor Attends Third Trial Parliament Amends - 7 Day Daily/Burmese Hearing - Telecommunications Law MNHRC Inspects Shan Mizzima/Burmese - The Voice/Burmese State Prisons - Filed Against 58 Farmers Parliament Amends MNHRC/Burmese for Staging a Ploughing Telecommunications Law Three New Prisons to Protest - Eleven/Burmese - DVB/Burmese Open by the End of 2017 - Former Child Soldier RFA/Burmese Arrested for Speaking Out Three New Prisons to 25 August - Frontier Myanmar Open by the End of 2017 - Three Journalists and Former Child Soldier Eleven/Burmese Three Civilians on Trial Arrested for Speaking Out Three New Prisons to Denied Bail - The - Mizzima Open by the End of 2017 - Irrawaddy Former Child Soldier The Voice/Burmese Three Journalists and Arrested for Speaking Out Three Civilians on Trial - Radio Free Asia Denied Bail - Myanmar 21 August Former Child Soldier Times/Burmese Three Journalists and Arrested for Speaking Out Women Falsely Convicted Three Civilians on Trial - DVB/Burmese Under Section 66(d) Denied Bail - Myanmar Suffers - Eleven Times 22 August Mandalay Journalist Three Journalists and Three New Prisons to Arrested in Section 66(d) Three Civilians on Trial Open by the End of 2017 - Lawsuit - Democratic Denied Bail - Myanmar Times Voice of Burma Parliament DVB/Burmese Parliament Amends Amends Parliament Amends Telecommunications Law Telecommunications Law - Telecommunications Law - Myanmar Times Irrawaddy/Burmese - Myanmar Times Parliament Amends Parliament Amends Parliament Amends Telecommunications Law Telecommunications Law - Telecommunications Law - Eleven/Burmese BBC/Burmese - Mizzima/Burmese Myanmar Now Chief Lawsuit Filed Against CSOs Disproportionately Editor Attends Third Trial Ward Administrator Bear Burden of Mental Hearing - Mizzima Under Section 66(d) - Healthcare for Former Parliament Amends Mizzima Political Prisoners - Telecommunications Law Democratic Voice of - Frontier Myanmar 26 August Burma Parliament Amends 4 of 8 NCA Principles Telecommunications Law Agreed Upon by DPN and 23 August - The Irrawaddy Peace Commission - Draft Children's Rights Bill Democratic Voice of Draws Criticism - Burma Myanmar Times 29 August Myanmar Now Chief Mandalay Journalist Editor Attends Third Trial Arrested in Section 66(d) 24 August Hearing - The Lawsuit - Democratic Trial of ABSDF Member Voice/Burmese Lawsuit Voice of Burma Continues - Mizzima Myanmar Now Chief Editor Attends Third Trial

AUGUST 2017 24

Mandalay Journalist Bail Granted to Reporters Arrested in Section 66(d) and Civilians in Section Lawsuit - Eleven/Burmese 66(d) Case - Mizzima

30 August For more Information contact: MNHRC Submits Findings Ko Tate Naing Secretary +95(0) 94280 and Recommendations 23828 Ko Bo Kyi Joint Secretary +66(0) 81 Following Shan State 9628 713 Prisons Inspections - The Irrawaddy Mandalay Journalist Arrested in Section 66(d) Lawsuit - Eleven Bail Granted to Reporters and Civilians in Section 66(d) Case - Mizzima/Burmese Organizers of Football Match Commemorating Founding Day of Arakan Army Sentenced to Two Years Imprisonment - BNI/Burmese Organizers of Football Match Commemorating Founding Day of Arakan Army Sentenced to Two Years Imprisonment - RFA/Burmese

31 August Parliament Amends Telecommunications Law - Democratic Voice of Burma Organizers of Football Match Commemorating Founding Day of Arakan Army Sentenced to Two Years Imprisonment - DVB/Burmese

1 September Bail Granted to Reporters and Civilians in Section 66(d) Case - DVB/Burmese

AUGUST 2017 25