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JuneOCTOBER CHRONOLOGY 2019

Summary of the Current Five members of Peacock Generation Sentenced to 1 Situation: year imprisonment with hard labour

612 individuals are oppressed in Burma due to political activity:

59 political prisoners are serving sentences,

181 are awaiting trial inside prison,

are awaiting trial outside Accessed October © Frontier 372

prison.

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ACRONYMS

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

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POLITICAL PRISONERS

ARRESTS

Villagers Arrested in Arakan State

Two villagers from Wra Chaung Gyi Village, Meabon Township, Arakan State were arrested by the Military on October 21. The two men were brought to the Army Headquarters in Kani Township, Sagaing Division. The reason for their arrest is currently unknown.

Military Questions Crew of Boat Seized by Arakan Amy The ferry boat captain and seven crew members of a boat seized by the Arakan Army have been detained by the Military for questioning. According to family members, they were taken into custody on October 31, but do not yet know the charges against them. On October 26, the Arakan Army (AA) took 14 soldiers, 29 police officers, two Prisons Department staff members and 13 civilians hostage from a ferry travelling in Arakan State from Sittwe to Buthidaung. According to Military spokesperson Win Zaw Oo, they are being held under suspicion of leaking Military information, as the AA knew that soldiers were posing as civilians on the boat. No information is available as to where the captain and crew are being held.

Civilian Arrested by Military in Buthidaung

A land surveyor in Buthidaung Township, Arakan State was arrested by police and military forces and brought to Myoma police station for questioning. The arrest took place on October 21. No information is available about the reason for his arrest.

Military Arrests 13 Civilians

13 villagers have been arrested from Yaybote Village in Rathedaung Township, Arakan State. According to locals, the Military entered the village on October 27, while firing guns, forcing the villagers to take shelter at a religious hall. All residents were detained overnight, and then allowed to return home. Ten men were arrested and forced to serve as guides. An addition, three men from the village were arrested on October 28 and taken to Kan Baung to be questioned. According to his wife, one of the men that was forced to work as a guide has poor health.

Three Demoso Farmers Arrested under Public Property Protection Act On October 21, three farmers, live in Daw So Shay Village, Demoso Township in Kayah State, who are among 15 farmers facing trial under Section 447 of the Penal Code, were arrested under Section 6(1) of the Public Property Protection Act and sent to the Loikaw Prison. These three farmers are Nyar Mar, Khu Ri and Saw Rel. Also on August 26, six out of 15 farmers from Daw So Shay Village, who are facing trial under Section 447 of the Penal Code, were charged under Section 6(1) of the Public Property Protection Act by #360 Artillery Battalion and sent to the Loikaw Prison.

Novice in Maungdaw Arrested in suspicion of Bomb Explosion On October 25, Maung Soe Than, who are being novitated by the name of Shin Pyin Nyar at the Three Miles Welfare Monastery in Maungdaw Township in Arakan State, was arrested and forcibly to layman by the Ma Gyee Chaung Police Station of Maungdaw Township. When he was a layman in August, the military affairs security arrested him after the bomb was exploded near Shwe Yin Aye Village in Maungdaw Township in Arakan State while he was fishing. Then, he was sent to the Buthidaung Prison

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Cell. As there is no more remand to detain him, Maungdaw District court released him on September 19. However, he was taken to the Ma Gyee Chaung Police Station and detained for eight days. He appeared before the court on 8 days of his detention and released on bail. Then, he was arrested again while he was serving as a novice at the Three Miles Welfare Monastery.

Nineteen Villagers in Rathedaung Township Arrested by Military

Between October 26 and October 27, military arrested a total of 19 villagers in three villages in Rathedaung Township in Arakan State. Two villagers from Kyauk Tan Village, two villagers from Kyauk Yan Village and 15 villagers from Yay Boke Village were arrested, said a village administrator. Moreover, as two helicopters of the military attacked bombs to between Kyauk Tan Village and Yay Boke Village, four villagers disappeared and 40 buffalos and cows died, said Kyauk Tan Villager Maung Aye Phyu.

CHARGES

Family Members of Arakan Army Leader Arrested

On October 19, Ma Moe Hnin Phyu, the sister of Arakan Army (AA) chief Tun Myat Nanig, and her husband, Kyaw Naing, were arrested at Yangon International Airport. At the time, Kyaw Naing was returning from receiving medical treatment in Thailand. Kyaw Naing was charged under Section 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Act for alleged connections to the AA, however the AA deny that that the couple are connected. According to spokesperson for the President’s Office Zaw Htay, Kyaw Naing was deported from Thailand and his charges were related to the seizure of explosive devices in Mandalay. The couple are both being held at Aung Thabyay police station in Yangon.

Christian School Teacher Charged After School Raid

A Kachin Christian school was raided by authorities, leading one school staff member to be charged. The raid on the school took place at 3:00am on September 26 in Maw Hpawng village, Myitkyina, Kachin State. More than 20 members of the Military Affairs Security, police and township’s General Administration Department searched the school, confiscating cell phones and reviewing security camera footage. After seizing five walkie talkies, police officer Nyi Nyi Lin charged the school’s trainer, Lahkye Seng Awng under Article 67 of the Communications Act. There is no information on whether Lahkye Seng Awng has been released.

Supporters of Karen Activists Charged

Three activists are facing charges under Section 19 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law for leading an unauthorized protest in support of the Karen Martyrs’ Day organizers. The protest was held in Kyauktada Township, Rangoon, outside of the court hearing of Naw Ohn Hla and two others, who were later found guilty under Section 20 of the Peaceful Assembly Law. The recent charges were brought by the captain of the Kyauktada Township police station against Daw Sein Htwe and Ma Zarchi Linn of the Democracy, Peace and Women (DPW) group, and Naw Larshee Htoo of the Karen Women’s Union (KWU). None of the three women have been arrested.

MP Charged Two Protest Leaders in Lay Myat Nar Township On October 3, MP Soe Than of the Lay Myat Nar Township charged two protest leaders Win Kyi and Soe Than under Section 500 of the Penal Code at the Lay Myat Nar Township Court in Ayeyarwaddy Division. Win Kyi and Soe Than were charged as they staged that they unwanted MP and officials of the Land Records Department while they were leading the protest on September 27.

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MP of Waw Township Charged Facebook Account Owner under Section 66(d)

MP Yi Yi Cho of the Waw Township in Bago Division filed a lawsuit against the owner of the San Lwin facebook account under Section 66(d) of the Telecommunication Law in relation to writing untruly of her. On October 3, the owner of the San Lwin Facebook Account wrote that MP Yi Yi Cho had threatened to shoot the Gwe Gyi Villagers.

Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township Prosecuted Three People including Sister of Former Child Soldier Aung Ko Htwe

On October 17, Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township Court in Rangoon Division prosecuted Nay Zar Tun, sister of former child soldier Aung Ko Htwe, under Section 505(b) and Section 153 of the Penal Code for staging a public protest in 2018 that called for her brother’s release. Moreover, Myint Zaw and Khin Cho Naing, supporters of Former Child Soldier Aung Ko Htwe, were prosecuted under Section 505(b) and Section 153 of the Penal Code and also charged Section 7 of the Union Seal Law for allegedly stepped on the 2008 Constitution.

Allitery Battalion Filed Ten Farmers under Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens

On October 20, #509 Allitery Battalion filed a lawsuit against ten farmers from Shwedaung Township in Bago Division under Section 10 of the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens. On September 6, #509 Allitery Battalion issued a statement and ordered over 4000 farmers had to leave their lands. If they didn’t follow the statement, the action will be taken. Moreover, the statement stated that over 8000 acres of land were confiscated under the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) by the instructions of the higher authorities. There is no compensation received in relation to these confiscated lands.

Writer Marn (Taung Lone Pyan) Testified at Myeik Township Court On October 8, Writer Marn (Taung Lone Pyan), who are being charged by the military, was testified for the second time at the Myeik Township Court in Tanintharyi Region. On May 9, Writer Marn delivered a speech at the event which was held in Myeik. On June 4, Coastal Command submitted the case to the Myeik Township Court to charge him. Writer Marn is now being sued under Section 500 of the Penal Code and Myeik Township Court allowed him on bail.

Prolong Trial of of Kyauk Tan Villagers without Testification Even though Eight Kyauk Tan Villagers in Rathedaung Township in Arakan State have been arrested and charged over six months, tesifications have not been made yet at the Sittwe District Court. Consequences, they have been suffering for it, said their family members. As police are investigating the accused in relation to this case, they could not proceed with the trial yet for eight villagers, siad Advocate Saw Hlaing. A warrant was issued for a total of 81 people in relation to this case and 75 out of 81 are not living in their villages.

SENTENCES

Karen Martyrs’ Day Activists Found Guilty

Three Karen activists, including the chair of the Karen Women’s Union, Naw Ohn Hla, were found guilty under Section 20 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law. Each were sentenced to 15 days in prison on October 2 and released immediately following sentencing at Kyauktada Township Court in Rangoon due to previous time served. Nah Ohn Hla says they will appeal the verdict. The activists were

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arrested for organizing a Karen Martyrs' Day event in Rangoon on August 12 to commemorate Karen leader Saw Ba U Gyi and using banned terminology. The use of the term “martyr” to refer to Saw Ba U Gyi is banned.

Five Peacock Generation Members Sentenced to One Year With Hard Labour

Five members of the Peacock Generation Thangyat Troupe, a satirical performance group, have been sentenced to one year in prison with hard labour. The five appeared at Mayangone Township Court in Yangon on October 30, where they were convicted under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code for criticizing the Military in a performance. Four of the members face additional charges under Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Act for livestreaming the performance. All have been held at Insein prison since April, as they were denied bail. Another two members of the group will appear in court for sentencing next month on the same charges.

Fines Imposed on Villagers in Wanboa Mine Dispute

Seven residents of Wat Hmay, Salingyi Township, Mandalay were fined 30,000 kyat (US $19.62) by the Salingyi Township Court on October 9. The villagers had been sued by Wanbao Copper Mining Company, which operates near the village, for trespassing on the Mine’s property, hurting the staff, and obstructing the company’s work. A driver for Wanboa was also fined 100,000 kyat (US $65.40) for careless driving. These charges are part of an ongoing conflict between the Mine and locals over the disposal of waste near a religious site. On August 23, 2016, villagers attempted to block a Wanboa vehicle from disposing of waste. The vehicle did not stop and injured one of the villagers. Both the Company and the villagers sued each other over the incident.

Former Military Captain Sentenced to Two Years Imprisonment

On October 1, Khin-U Township Court in Sagaing Division sentenced Former Military Captation Nay Myo Zin to two years imprisonment under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code for for his public remarks against the military. Three months ago, Lieutenant Colonel Ye Htut Win charged him at the court in relation to his speaking at an event in Khin-U Township on March 26 to support to amend the constitution

TRIALS

Two Monks with Suspected Links to Arakan Army Released

On October 4, two monks had charges dropped in Sittwe, Arakan State, due to lack of evidence to support charges under Section 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law. Nyarna and Thuwunna were arrested on suspicion of ties to the Arakan Army on April 1 while driving from Sittwe to Mrauk-U in Arakan State. Thuwunna remains in custody, as he has additional pending charges under the Export and Import Law for driving an unlicensed car.

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DETENTIONS

Location of Three Detained by Military Unknown

On September 20, the Military detained a head monk, a village administrator and a driver from Ohe Htein Village in Mrauk-U, Arakan State. The Military said on September 25 that the three were being held in Sittwe and their families would soon be able to see them. However, the families are concerned that they still have not been told exactly where their relatives are, or when they can see them. Locals of Ohe Htein have reported seeing bodies buried near Linn Mywe Mountain near where the three were arrested, but the identities of the bodies is unknown.

RELEASES

Counter-Terrorism Charges Dropped Against Three

On October 21, the Kyauk Phyu District Court in Arakan State dismissed charges against three people accused of involvement with Arakan Army (AA) attacks on military vehicles due to insufficient evidence. The charges, dating back to July 7, were filed under the Counter-Terrorism Law 50(a) and 51(c) by Major Tin Aung of Ann Township’s Military Unit 373. Yebaw Thu, San Aung Kyaw and Maung Phyu Than, brother-law of AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha, were released following the dismissal of all charges against them.

A Teacher Released after Appeal Won

On October 4, Teacher Khine Zar Win, who had been charged by the Maritime Police force in Mandalay and was sentenced to two years imprisonment by the Mahar Aung Myay Township Court in Mandalay, was released as her appeal was won at the district court. She had faced trial inside prison for nine months and two months after sentence, then she won the appeal, said her legal representative Myo Min Zaw. In 1995, Mandalay City Development Committee had confiscated lands on the bank of the Irrawaddy River in Mahar Aung Myay Township. Then, Maritime Police force in Mandalay handed over these lands. Later, there were land disputes between the Maritime Police force in Mandalay and the original land owner as family of land owner lives in their confiscated land. On November 10, 2018, the disputes occurred as the Branch of the Maritime Police Force in Mandalay fenced on these confiscated land. After six family members of farmer family had faced trial for nine months in prison, the Mahar Aung Myay Township Court sentenced them to two years imprisonment on August 16, 2019. However, Khine Zar Win is only one won the appeal. The other five family members will be submitted the appeal to the divisional court, said legal representative Myo Min Zaw.

DISAPPEARANCES

Three Farmers Missing from Paletwa Township

Three residents of Maung Village in Paletwa Township, Southern Chin State have been missing since September 14. They disappeared while out buying supplies in Mrauk-U Township in neighbouring Arakan State. Despite searches, there is no evidence as to what happened to the missing farmers. The Khimi Affairs Coordination Council believe the Arakan Army (AA) is responsible for the civilian

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disappearances. The AA have denied this claim, suggesting that Burma Army soldiers wearing AA uniforms could be responsible.

Seven Villagers Missing

Seven villagers from Buthidaung Township, Arakan State are missing as all residents of Thet Yet Pyin Village were forced to flee their homes during a clash between the Military and the Arakan Army (AA) on September 6. Those missing include an elderly woman, three children and three men.

Brothers Missing from Myebon Township

Two brothers have been missing since the morning of October 8. They left their home to search for the family’s cattle in the forest nearby their village on Ywar Thar Yar in Myebon Township, Arakan State. Due to fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and Military in the area, the family believes the brothers may have been detained by an armed group. Neither the AA nor the Military have commented on the disappearance.

CONDITIONS OF IMPRISONMENT

Detainee Sent to Hospital for Third Time

On October 9, Si Thu Aung was hospitalized for vomiting blood at the Sittwe Hospital for the third time while in detention. The 20-year-old has been in custody since March 12 on charges under Section 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law. Si Thu Aung reports being tortured during interrogation and has since reported pain in his lungs.

Medicines and Food Need for Those Facing Trial Inside Prison Medicines and food are needed for most out of over a hundred people, who have been arrested for suspicion and facing trial in Sittwe Prison. As their family members are from the Camps for internally displaced people, they are not able to visit them, said May Yu Tun who are helping them. Some facing trial are suffering from dengue and medical healthcare is weak because of lack of doctors in prison.

Infectious diseases are highly contagious in Prison and Prison Labour Camp due to Overcrowding

Infectious diseases are highly contagious in Prison and Prison Labour Camp due to Overcrowding, reported by the Three Millennium Development Goal Fund (3MDG) that are supporting the medical healthcare in prisons. Prisoners are one group of people who are included vulnerable and have not met medical healthcare and have been limited to receive the medical treatment and Tuberculosis (TB), Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV), Hepatitis and Diarrhea are highly contagious in prisons.

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RESTRICTIONS ON FORMER POLITICAL PRISONERS

Arakan Army Arrests Firefighters

On October 11, the Arakan Army (AA) stopped a passenger bus in Mrauk-U, Arakan State and arrested 12 civilians, 19 trainee firefighters and the Deputy Township Officer of the Fire Services Department. According to Spokesperson for the AA, Khaing Thu Kha, the firefighters were arrested because they were a reserve force for the Military. The bus was enroute from Mandalay to Sittwe at the time. On October 27, all 12 civilians were released. The firefighters remain in detention, but will soon be released according to the AA.

Civilians Injured by Navy Fire

On October 1, six civilians, including three children, were injured when the Navy open fired at Kyauktaw Township’s Meewa village in Arakan State. The fire began at around 1:00am, striking houses and injuring a relief worker and a village official. A monastery was also hit, the explosion injuring the abbot, a novice monk, a teacher, and two students. The injured were taken to Sittwe Hospital and Kyauktaw Hospital. The Village Administrator accused the Military of deliberately firing at the village while most were asleep. Military spokesperson Colonel Win Zaw Oo denied this, claiming they were returning fire from the Arakan Army, stating that “if the villagers don’t want this kind of situation, they should tell AA not to shoot from the village.” In addition, a civilian from the nearby village of Kywe Haung sustained injuries from the navy ship’s fire.

Army Shoots Man at Checkpoint

On October 2, a man was shot dead by a Burma Army soldier at a checkpoint near Cardi village, Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State. The man was on his way from his home in Apauk Wa Village to Kyauktaw Town when he was ordered by soldiers to stop his motorbike. When he did not comply, he was shot. Brigadier General Win Zaw Oo confirmed that the soldiers shot the villager, saying that he had been struck accidently when the soldiers fired warning shots. Win Zaw Oo claimed that the man was likely involved with the Arakan Army, due to nine volt batteries and a detonator found in his possession.

Girl Injured in IDP Camp

On October 3, a 14-year-old girl was injured while she slept when an artillery shell exploded at Zayditaung IDP Camp in Buthidaung Township, Arakan State. She was rushed in critical condition to Sittwe Hospital. The shots came from the direction of a nearby Burma Army camp, and is believed to have been fired by a soldier. Military spokesperson Brigadier Win Zaw Oo denied having any knowledge of the incident, but stated that as there had been no fighting on that day, there could not have been gunshots fired by the Army.

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Villagers Tortured During Interrogation

Three residents of Kyauktan Village in Rathedaung Township, Arakan State escaped from Military custody on October 31. They were arrested and interrogated following a Military attempt to free 58 people held hostage by the Arakan Army near the Village. The men report being beaten and stabbed, and denied water and food while interrogated to determine if they had any connections to the Arakan Army. Two of the men are being treated at Rathedaung Hospital for their injuries, while according to family members, no one has been in contact with the third man.

Man Shot By UnIdentified Gunmen

Two men were shot in Sittwe, Arakan State on October 4. They were shot as they got out of a car outside of the house of one of the victims. It is unknown who is responsible for the shooting, or if it could be linked to the ongoing conflict in the region. One of two sustained more serious injuries and was brought to Yangon hospital.

Explosion Strikes Two at Kyaukme Tea Farm On October 8, an artillery shell exploded on a tea farm in Taung Palu Village in northern Shan State’s , injuring one and killing another. The injured victim was rushed to a hospital in Kyaukme Township in critical condition. The mortar was likely left in the field unexploded following fighting between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Military, and exploded when it was struck by a knife.

Wife Killed and Husband Injured at Tea Farm in Kyaukme

On October 9, two civilians were injured after stepping on a landmine in Mont Mart Village in Kyaukme Township, Northern Shan State. The husband and wife were rushed to hospital, however the wife died en route due to the severity of her injuries. The couple were picking tea leaves at the time of the blast.

Mine Blast Injures Yephyu Resident

On October 8, a resident of Ah-Lea Sa-Khan village in Yephyu Township, Tenasserim Division sustained injuries from a mine explosion. The explosion occurred at a local farm and did not cause life-threatening injuries. The injured man was taken to Ye Town Public Hospital for treatment.

Villager Killed by Landmine

A resident of Ain Gyan Village in Myebon Township, Arakan State was seriously injured by a landmine explosion on October 8. She passed away on October 19 at Magwe Hospital in Magwe Division. The woman was picking mushrooms near the village when the explosion occurred. She was taken to hospital in Ann Township, Arakan State, and later transferred to Magwe when her condition did not improve. The locals do not know who is responsible for the landmine, as no recent fighting has taken place. However, they report that an artillery battalion of the Army was recently stationed nearby.

Two Civilians Die Amid Clashes

Two villagers from Kyauktan Village in Rathedaung Township, Arakan State have died amid fighting between the Military and the Arakan Army. One of the deceased is a 70 year-old woman who died of a heart attack when the clashes began, while the other is a deaf 17 year-old boy. His cause of death is unknown. The fighting began on the morning of October 8, causing all villagers, except some elderly who

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could not, to flee. While the fighting ended on the morning of October 9, locals reported that everyone was too scared to retrieve the bodies from the village.

Civilian Killed by Artillery Shell

Mahmed Sedate was killed by the explosion of an artillery shell while fishing near his village on Sin Thy Byin in Buthidaung Township, Arakan State. The incident occurred on October 7. There was no fighting at the time, but according to locals No. 551 Light Infantry Regiment had been firing in Buthidaung Town.

TNLA Attack Injures Civilians

On October 9, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army attacked a Military motorcade in downtown Hsenwi, located in Northern Shan State. Seven civilians were wounded by shrapnel from heavy weapons that struck homes nearby and two soldiers were killed. There is no information about the condition of civilians injured.

Monks Injured by Mine

On October 15, three monks were injured when their motorbike triggered a landmine in Township in Northern Shan State. The monks were on their way from their homes in Mandalay to a ceremony in Lwe Lay Village. Two of the monks suffered serious injuries from the blast. As the explosion occurred in a remote area, the monks could not be immediately brought to the hospital and were treated at the site of the explosion by medics from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The three were then transferred to Kyaukme Hospital to receive additional care. One monk was again transferred to a hospital in Mandalay due to the severity of his injuries.

Five Civilians Injured by Shelling in Northern Shan State

On October 11, fighting between the Burma Military and Northern Alliance resulted in five civilian casualties, occurring in two different townships. Two civilians from and three from Township were injured by the artillery shell explosions. The two from Hsenwi, a young couple, were taken to hospital, as their injuries were too severe to be treated in Hsenwi. Two of the injured from Kutkai were treated for minor injuries at the Kutkai hospital.

One Injured and One Killed in Arakan State

The Military shot and killed a man in Shwe Hlaing Village, in Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State on October 16. According to Military spokesperson Win Zaw Oo, the shots were fired when he ran from soldiers attempting to bring him in for interrogation. A student was caught in the crossfire and was injured, sustaining shots to the head and back. He was brought to Sittwe hospital to be treated.

Military Uses Villagers as Human Shields

Ten villagers from Pauk Taw Byin Village, in Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State report being forced to serve as shields for the Military on October 12. The villagers were made to march in front of the Military column. When the group was ambushed by the Arakan Army, all civilians were able to escape without injury and hide for the night at a shrine, before returning to their village the next day. The group consisted of eight women, one boy and one man.

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Military Threatens Locals and Steals Food

On October 15, the Military arrived in Pauktaw Pyin Village in Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State. Many fled their homes to nearby villages. One man reported being forced to buy food and supplies for the Military, while they threatened to burn local women if he did not return. The soldiers are also reported to have looted stores and killed livestock.

Clash Injures Two in Arakan State

On October 17, fighting between the Arakan Army and the Military near Pyin Chaung VIllage in Kyauktaw Village, Arakan State resulted in two civilian injuries. Following an explosion, the two armed groups fired at each other. Stray bullets entered the village, resulting in the civilian injuries. One of the injured was in serious condition and was rushed to hospital.

Civilian Guide Shot by Military

On October 17, a farmer was killed by the Military in Apauk Wa Village, Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State. According to his wife, the man had been forced to guide soldiers in the area. She reported that when a landmine exploded, the soldiers fired out of confusion, killing the man. Military spokesperson Brigadier Win Zaw Oo denied that the civilian was guiding the soldiers or had been shot, and claimed that he was killed by a landmine explosion.

Woman Injured by Artillery Shell

On October 20, a woman in Hteik Htoo Pauk, Buthidaung Township, Arakan State was seriously injured when an artillery shell fell near her house, where she was sitting outside. She was rushed to hospital in Buthidaung for treatment. At the time of the explosion, there were ongoing clashes between the Arakan Army and the Military near the village. It is unknown which group is responsible for the artillery shell.

Monk Killed Over Tax Collection

An abbot was assassinated at the Khaynin Village Monastery in Lashio, Northern Shan State on October 20. A number of gunmen entered the monastery and shot him at close range. According to locals, the ethnic Ta’ang monk was targeted for his opposition to the collection of taxes in the village by a Shan ethnic armed group. Half of the village is Shan, while the other half is Ta’ang. Many Ta’ang residents have refused to pay taxes to the Shan armed group. It is not known who is responsible for the monk’s death.

Mother and Daughter Injured in Arakan State

On October 21, a mother and her three-year-old daughter were injured when artillery shells struck their home in Kalong village in Minbya Township, Arakan State. Both were sent to Minbya Township hospital to recover. According to a local witness, the shells were fired by the Military, who were responding to the Arakan Army. Military spokesman Colonel Win Zaw Oo confirmed that the Military was attacked by the Arakan Army, but denied that the Military had fired in return.

Two Civilians Injured in Kyauktaw

A grandfather and his grandson sustained injuries from an artillery shell explosion in Apaukwa Village, Kyauktaw Township. The shell struck the roof of their house on October 23. They were taken to

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Apaukwa hospital for treatment. The shell was fired by Military troops. According to Military spokesperson Colonel Win Zaw Oo, the soldiers were returning fire from the Arakan Army.

Villagers Forced to Work as Guides

On October 23, the Military entered Lat Khote Village in Minbya Township, Arakan State and forced more than 40 villagers to serve as guides. The villagers were released and able to return home later that day. The Military have denied claims made by locals that the soldiers stole from home in the village, but no comment made on the detention of the villagers is available.

2 Civilians Among Injured in Police Truck Attack

An attack on a police truck in Buthidaung Township, Arakan State left two police officers dead and seven others, including two prisoners, injured. Those injured were taken to Buthidaung Military Hospital. The attack occurred on October 24 near Thit Taw Village, while transporting prisoners to trial at Maungdaw District Court. According to the Military, the Arakan Army (AA) detonated remote mines, and attacked with small arms. AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha denied that the AA is responsible, blaming the Military. One of the civilian victims was transferred to intensive care at Sittwe Hospital on October 26.

Two Civilians Struck by Shrapnel

On October 24, a mother and her 12 year old daughter were struck by shrapnel from a stray artillery shell during fighting between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army and the Military in Maw Harn Village Tract, , Northern Shan State. They were taken to Kutkai hospital to treat their injuries. It is unknown which group is responsible for the injuries.

Military Forces Civilians to Work as Porters

35 people are reported to have been forced to serve as porters for the Military in Meezar Village in Paletwa Township, Chin State. On October 23, soldiers arrived in the village and told local authorities to gather villagers to carry food and supplies from Twin Chaung Wa to Kha Maung Wa the following day. Upon the completion of the one day trek, the soldiers promised to pay each porter 4,00 Kyat (USD $2.60).

Arakan Army Takes Hostages from Ferry

On October 26, the Arakan Army (AA) took 58 passengers hostage from a ferry travelling in Arakan State from Sittwe to Buthidaung. The AA fired at the boat, forcing it to dock in Rathedaung, releasing 110 passengers and taking the 58 aboard motorboats. According to the AA, only police officers and soldiers who were posing as civilians were taken hostage. According to the Ministry of Information, those taken include 14 soldiers, 29 police officers, two Prisons Department staff members and 13 civilians. The Military pursued the motorboats by helicopter, resulting in an exchange of fire. The AA say that two of three boats sank, and a number of hostages and AA members were killed. The Military claim that the AA had killed these hostages before they launched the airstrike. 15 hostages, including five civilians, managed to escape during the fire.

Two civilians, including a minor, from the nearby village Yay Bote, were injured by bullets fired by the Military helicopters. According to the father of one of the injured, the two were running to the other side of the creek to escape fire from the helicopters when they were struck. They were not immediately able to be taken to hospital, as the Military was questioning villagers and firing in the surrounding area. One was later taken to Sittwe hospital, while the other was taken to Rathedaung Hospital.

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Child Injured by Military Gunshot

While out collecting firewood with his father near Yoe Sanwin Village, Myebon Township in Arakan State, a boy was struck accidentally by a gunshot fired by a Military soldier. He was taken to hospital for treatment of his injury. The shooting occurred on October 24. Military spokesman Colonel Win Zaw Oo has denied the claims.

Rathedaung residents hit by bullets

Two Residents of Yay Bote village in Rathedaung township were injured after being hit by stray bullets. 15 year old Maung Maung Chay and 26 year old Ko Kyaw Win were injured on 27th October and later sent to hospital. Locals allege that the two were injured by bullets shot by Burma Army troops out of a helicopter.

Student receives injury during clashes in Rathedaung Township

A student was injured by a stray village in Kyauk Yan village on 30th October. Ma Hnin Chay, 13 years old was hit in her arm and could not be sent to Rathedaung hospital as the transport was unavailable due to the fighting.

Mine blast in Mrauk-U, one killed and one injured

One villager from Ywar Haung Taw VIllage in Mrauk-U Township was killed and another was injured following a mine explosion on October 30th. 32 year old Ko Kyaw Naing Tun was killed and Ko Kyaw Tun Sein, 31 years old was injured. The two who worked as excavators were told by the Burma Army to dig up a landmine, which then exploded according to locals

Monk Tortured by Military

On October 28, a Ta’ang monk was tortured repeatedly by soldiers from the Infantry Battalion 45 in Kutkai, northern Shan State. The soldiers found walkie-talkies and uniforms belonging to the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) inside his monastery. The soldiers accused of posing as a monk, hiding guns and forced him to confess to possessing methamphetamines. Once released, the monk was treated at Kutkai hospital.

Nine Villagers in Minbya Released by the Military Nine Villagers in Minbya Township in Arakan State, who were arrested by the military after the two mines were exploded near Late Khote Village in Minbya Township on October 1, were released. Two of the arrested people are from Taung Pote Kay Village, one are from Kyauk Son Village, four from Seik Ta Ra Village and two from Min Da Ma Village.

Civilian in Paletwa Township Injured due to Bomb Explosion

On October 4, a civilian in Paletwa Township received injuries because of bomb exploded near a military battalion in Paletwa Township in Chin State. This was the first time bomb explosion in Paletwa Town, said a Paletwa Town Local.

Three Villagers Arrested from Myebon Township Relesed by Military

In the evening of October 7, three villagers from Mi Kyaung Tat Village in Myebon Township in Arakan State, who were arrested by the military, were released. They were Maung Soe Chay, Maung Maung Tun and Kyaw Kyaw Naing. On October 7, a military column arrived at the north of Mi Kyaung Tat Village

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and arrested and investigated and tortured these three villagers, said Mi Kyaung Tat Village Administrator Than Hla Maung.

Village Administrator in Lashio Shot to Death The midnight of October 14, Mar Ku, village administrator of Mang Kaung Village of Nar Kone Lone Village Tract in in Shan State, was shot to death by the unknown armed people. When he was with family at the hat in his farm, Lahu language speaking person woke him up. He was shot while he went out to look.

Woman and Child Injured in Rathedaung for Artillery Shell Explosion On the morning of October 20, 30 year old woman and four year old child were injured as the artillery shell exploded into the Sin Khone TAing Village in Buthidaung Township in Arakan State. Even though they did not receive serious injuries, they went to the Say Ti Taung Hospital in Buthidaung Township to receive medical treatment.

Appeal of Two Kachin Activists Rejected by State High Court

Even though the appeal of two Kachin Activists Seng Nu Pan and Paul Lu was submitted to the Kachin State High Court on October 17, the State High Court rejected it on the same day. On September 20, the district court rejected their appeal. Therefore, they will continue to submit the appeal to the supreme court in Nay Pyi Taw. Seng Nu Pan and Paul Lu were charged under Section 19 of Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law for holding an unauthorized street performance in June to mark the eighth anniversary of the war in Kachin State.

Chairman of ANP in Taungup Township Taken and Investigated on suspicion of Sending People to AA

On October 22, Chairman of the Arakan National Party, Thant Tin, from Pauk Pyin Village in Ywar Ma Town in Taungup Township in Arakan State, was taken by sub-inspector of Ywar Ma Police Station on suspicion of sending people to the Arakan Army (AA). Then, the police chief of the Taungup Township investigated. He was released after he signed the statement, said Thant Tin.

Man in Displaced Camp Received Serious Injuries for Stepping on Mine

On October 23, Eike Yae, lives in Pan Ku Displaced Camp in Shan State’s Kutkai Township, received serious injuries as he stepped on mine while he was looking for buffalos in farm. As he was in serious condition, he was sent to Lashio Hospital through Kutkai Hospital.

Two Women in Buthidaung Township Injured Shot by Military Column As a military column came into the Sitaung Village in Buthidaung Township in Arakan State and shot on October 28, Ma Kyar Sein, 45 year old, and Aye Kyaut Khin, 70 years old, were injured. Local man said they did not know the condition of two women.

RCSS recruit in Kyaukme Township

Local Men in villages in Kyaukme Township in Northern Shan State are arrested and being recruited by the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), said locals. On October 18, the chairman of the village sent 35 men of the Maing Tin Village Tract to the place that was specified by the RCSS, said their family members. Moreover, local said 15 people from Naung Pein Village which is 15 miles away from Kyauk Me were taken during these days, said locals. The family members of the persons of recruitment have concerns because the underage students were also recruited. RCSS responded that there is no recruitment during these days.

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Arakan Army Arrested Military ex serviceman, Civilian and Education General Staff

On October 30, office of the Commander in Chief released a statement on which expressed that the Arakan Army (AA) arrested military ex serviceman Bo Ni from Thayet Oak Village in Mrauk-U Township in Arakan State on the night of October 26, Civilian Tun Min Thein from O Pone Taung Village in Minbya Township on October 28.

Moreover, AA arrested the education general staff Taung Pang from Pe Wone Village in Auk Thel Ma Wa Village Tract in the border of the Paletwa Township in Chin State and Arakan State on October 27, said his family members.

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LEGISLATION AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS

Burma Ratifies Child Soldier Treaty

On September 27, Burma signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (CRC-OPAC). Also known as the Child Soldier Treaty, the Protocol ensures that children under the age of 18 are not recruited for armed conflict. This is an important step for human rights in the country, which has in recent years committed to stopping the use of child soldiers. However, the recent case of Aung Ko Htwe highlights the need to not only protect youth from becoming child soldiers, but to ensure that former child soldiers are supported and allowed to speak freely about their experiences. Aung Ko Htwe was released in September after serving two years in prison for an interview with Radio Free Asia, in which he spoke about his time as a child soldier. In order to create reconciliation and repair the harm caused by the use of child soldiers, freedom of expression must be protected.

Human Rights Law Added to Burmese University Curriculums

Human rights law courses have been added to degree requirements for international relations and law students at universities across Burma. The law education board decided to include the human rights law requirements at universities across the country following an agreement between the governments of Denmark and Burma, which saw the development of the curriculum for use in elective courses at Yangon Eastern District University and Dagon University in Burma. Third year law students and fourth year international relations students will be required to take the course, which has been endorsed by the Ministry of Education.

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LAND RIGHTS

Local Farmers Township Protest Farmland Management Committee in Kawkareik Township

On the 11st of October, local farmers walked around and protested in Kawkareik Township, Karen State because there were no open case of original land and the local farmers were being accused. The local farmers said that they protested because the township land management committee did not open the case of original land regarding to the farmland of the original owner and made a unanimous decision. Although 15 acres of land were issued land ownership title in Daw Phyar village, Kawkareik Township in 2013, the original land owners did not receive full acres of lands that had been confiscated and the township farmland management committee issued land ownership title to others and sued the original land owners.

Twenty Percent of Confiscated Land Returned in Rangoon

On the 8th of October, twenty percent of land, which had been confiscated to build the New Rangoon City in Kyeemyindaing, were returned. The twenty percent out of 1514 acres of land were transformed from farmland to the city land and were returned to 187 farmers farmers in Kyeemyindaing Township.

Hpa-an Residents Demand Return of Confiscated Land

Around 1980, 150 acres near Benji village in Karen State, Hpa-an Township had been confiscated as state owned land by the Ministry of Industry and all these lands were reclaimed in 2018. Saw Shwe Than Myint in Benji Village said the 150 acres of land that had been relinquished were not returned to the original owners and rented the company and the organizations ten-year lease on the land by the state government.

Sit-in Protest Over Land Confiscated in Hpa-an Township

On the 19th of October, original land owners and their 30 supporters staged a sit-in protest to get back their confiscated lands for the rights to re-cultivation. Saw Maung Gyi, the leader of the demonstration said the protest is held because Hpa-an Correctional Department confiscated 68 acres of farmland owned by 16 local farmers last 30 years and it has not been returned to this day although the farmers have constantly asked the government for it.

About 500 Farmers Demonstrated in Thilawa Economic Zone

On the 23rd of October, 500 farmers held a street protest around the Thilawa special economic zone to overturn that decision as Rangoon Land Surveying Committee’s decision about land confiscation was disastrous for the residents. Rangoon Land Surveying Committee decided to close the cases of land confiscation.

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REFERENCES ARRESTS October - DMG) (22 October 2019 - BNI) (22 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) (24 October 2019 - Myanmar Times) (21 October - Eleven) (28 October 2019 - • Villagers Arrested in Arakan State BNI) (26 October 2019 - Eleven) (21 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) (22 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (22 October 2019 - BNI) (23 October 2019 - • Christian School Teacher Charged BNI) After School Raid (1 October 2019 - BNI) (1 October 2019 • Military Questions Crew of Boat - BNI/Burmese) (4 October 2019 - Seized by Arakan Amy BNI/Burmese)

(29 October 2019 - BBC/Burmese) (29 • Supporters of Karen Activists Charged October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (30 (3 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (3 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) (31 October 2019 - Eleven/Burmese) (4 October 2019 - Irrawaddy) (31 October October 2019 - Myanmar 2019 - BNI) Now/Burmese) (4 October 2019 - • Civilian Arrested by Military in Irrawaddy) (7 October 2019 - BNI) Buthidaung (23 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) • MP Charged Two Protest Leaders in (23 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (24 Lay Myat Nar Township October 2019 - BNI) (3 October 2019 - Eleven/Burmese)

• Military Arrests 13 Civilians • MP of Waw Township Charged (27 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) (29 Facebook Account Owner under October 2019 - BNI) Section 66(d) (7 October 2019 - The Voice/Burmese) • Three Demoso Farmers Arrested under Public Property Protection Act • Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township • (21 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) (21 Prosecuted Three People including October 2019 - Eleven/Burmese) (24 Sister of Former Child Soldier Aung Ko October 2019 - Eleven/Burmese) Htwe (17 October 2019 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) Novice in Maungdaw Arrested in • • Allitery Battalion Filed Ten Farmers suspicion of Bomb Explosion under Law Protecting the Privacy and (25 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) Security of Citizens (24 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) • Nineteen Villagers in Rathedaung Township Arrested by Military • Writer Marn (Taung Lone Pyan) • (27 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) Testified at Myeik Township Court (8 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) (8 CHARGES October 2019 - Mizzima/Burmese)

Prolong Trial of of Kyauk Tan • Family Members of Arakan Army • Leader Arrested Villagers without Testification (23 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) (19 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (20 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (21 October 2019 - Myanmar Times) (21 SENTENCES

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Irrawaddy) (31 October 2019 - Myanmar • Karen Martyrs’ Day Activists Found Times) (31 October 2019 - BNI) Guilty (2 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (2 RELEASES October 2019 - BBC/Burmese) (2 October 2019 - VOA/Burmese) (2 October 2019 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (2 • Counter-Terrorism Charges Dropped October 2019 - Myanmar Against Three Times/Burmese) (2 October 2019 - (22 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (22 Irrawaddy) (3 October 2019 - Myanmar October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) (24 Times) (3 October 2019 - Frontier) (3 October 2019 - BNI) October 2019 - Myanmar Now) (3 October 2019 - BNI) (3 October 2019 - • A Teacher Released after Appeal Won BNI) (18 October 2019 - (4 October 2019 - Myanmar Mizzima/Burmese) Now/Burmese)

• Fines Imposed on Villagers in Wanboa Mine Dispute DISAPPEARANCES (9 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (10

October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) (10 October 2019 - Irrawaddy) • Three Farmers Missing from Paletwa Township • Former Military Captain Sentenced to (1 October 2019 - BNI) (1 October 2019 - Two Years Imprisonment BNI/Burmese) (1 October 2019 - Myanmar Seven Villagers Missing Now/Burmese) • (7 October 2019 - Myanmar Times)

TRIALS • Brothers Missing from Myebon Township

(15 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) • Two Monks with Suspected Links to (16 October 2019 - BNI/Burmese) (17 Arakan Army Released October 2019 - BNI) • (4 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (4 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) (5 CONDITIONS OF IMPRISONMENT October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (7 October 2019 - BNI) • Detainee Sent to Hospital for Third Time DETENTIONS (10 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) • Location of Three Detained by (11 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (11 Military Unknown October 2019 - BNI) (3 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) • Medicines and Food Need for Those (9 October 2019 - BNI) Facing Trial Inside Prison • Five Peacock Generation Members (4 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) Sentenced to One Year With Hard • Infectious diseases are highly Labour contagious in Prison and Prison (30 October 2019 - BBC/Burmese) (30 Labour Camp due to Overcrowding October 2019 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (30 (15 October 2019 - Eleven/Burmese) October 2019 - Mizzima/Burmese) (30

October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (30

October 2019 - RFA) (30 October 2019 - Myanmar Now) (30 October 2019 -

OCTOBER 2019 20

RESTRICTIONS ON FORMER POLITICAL • Explosion Strikes Two at Kyaukme PRISONERS Tea Farm (8 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) (8 October 2019 - 7 Day Daily/Burmese) (9 • Arakan Army Arrests Firefighters October 2019 - BNI/Burmese) (9 (12 October 2019 - BBC/Burmese) (13 October 2019 - Irrawaddy) October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (13 • Wife Killed and Husband Injured at October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) (14 Tea Farm in Kyaukme October 2019 - Eleven) (15 October (11 October 2019 - Shan Herald 2019 - RFA) (16 October 2019 - BNI) (16 News/Burmese) (15 October 2019 - October 2019 - Myanmar Times) (17 BNI) October 2019 - Eleven) (28 October Mine Blast Injures Yephyu Resident 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (28 October 2019 • (14 October 2019 - BNI) (17 October - Narinjara/Burmese) (28 October 2019 2019 - BNI/Burmese) - RFA/Burmese) (29 October 2019 - Irrawaddy) (29 October 2019 - • Villager Killed by Landmine Myanmar Times) (29 October 2019 - (8 October 2019 - BNI/Burmese) (8 BNI) (29 October 2019 - Irrawaddy) (31 October 2019 - BNI) (9 October 2019 - October 2019 - BNI) BNI) (22 October 2019 - BNI) • Civilians Injured by Navy Fire • Two Civilians Die Amid Clashes (1 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (1 (9 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (9 October 2019 - VOA/Burmese) (1 October 2019 - BBC/Burmese) (9 October 2019 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (1 October 2019 - VOA/Burmese) (9 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (1 October 2019 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (9 October 2019 - RFA) (1 October 2019 - October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) Irrawaddy) (2 October 2019 - Myanmar (9 October 2019 - Irrawaddy) Times) (2 October 2019 - BNI) (2 • Civilian Killed by Artillery Shell October 2019 - Irrawaddy) (2 October (8 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (8 2019 - BNI) (2 October 2019 - BNI) (3 October 2019 - BBC/Burmese) (9 October 2019 - BNI) October 2019 - BNI) • Army Shoots Man at Checkpoint • TNLA Attack Injures Civilians (2 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (2 (9 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (9 October 2019 - BBC/Burmese) (2 October 2019 - VOA/Burmese) (9 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) (2 October 2019 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (9 October 2019 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (2 October 2019 - BNI/Burmese) (9 October 2019 - Myanmar October 2019 - BNI/Burmese) (10 Times/Burmese) (2 October 2019 - October 2019 - Eleven) DMG/Burmese) (2 October 2019 - RFA) (3 October 2019 - BNI) Monks Injured by Mine Girl Injured in IDP Camp • • (14 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (14 (3 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (7 October 2019 - BBC/Burmese) (16 October 2019 - BNI) October 2019 - MM Times) (16 October • Villagers Tortured During 2019 - Irrawaddy) Interrogation Five Civilians Injured by Shelling in (31 October 2019 - RFA) (31 October • Northern Shan State 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (14 October 2019 - BNI/Burmese) (15 • Man Shot By Unidentified Gunmen October 2019 - BNI) (15 October 2019 - (5 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (5 BNI) October 2019 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (7 One Injured and One Killed in Arakan October 2019 - BNI) • State

OCTOBER 2019 21

(15 October 2019 - BBC/Burmese) (15 2019 - BNI) (28 October 2019 - BNI) (28 October 2019 - VOA/Burmese) (15 October 2019 - BNI) October 2019 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (16 • Two Civilians Struck by Shrapnel October 2019 - Irrawaddy) (16 October (27 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (28 2019 - BNI) (18 October 2019 - BNI) October 2019 - BNI) (25 October 2019 - • Military Uses Villagers as Human Irrawaddy) Shields • Military Forces Civilians to Work as (13 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (15 Porters October 2019 - BNI) (23 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (23 • Military Threatens Locals and Steals October 2019 - Mizzima/Burmese) (25 Food October 2019 - BNI/Burmese (28 (16 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (16 October 2019 - BNI) October 2019 - DMG) • Arakan Army Takes Hostages from • Clash Injures Two in Arakan State Ferry (17 October 2019 - DMG) • (26 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (26 • Civilian Guide Shot by Military October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (27 (17 October 2019 - BNI/Burmese) (17 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) (27 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) (17 October 2019 - BBC/Burmese) (27 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (21 October 2019 - BBC/Burmese) (27 October 2019 - BNI) October 2019 - VOA/Burmese) (27 • Woman Injured by Artillery Shell October 2019 - Frontier) (27 October (21 October 2019 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) 2019 - Eleven) (28 October 2019 - BNI) (21 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (22 (28 October 2019 - RFA) (28 October October 2019 - Irrawaddy) (22 October 2019 - BNI) (28 October 2019 - 2019 - BNI) DVB/Burmese) (28 October 2019 - • Monk Killed Over Tax Collection VOA/Burmese) (29 October 2019 - (21 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (21 DVB/Burmese) (29 October 2019 - October 2019 - BNI/Burmese) (22 VOA/Burmese)(29 October 2019 - October 2019 - Irrawaddy) Myanmar Times) (29 October 2019 - • Mother and Daughter Injured in BNI) (29 October 2019 - BNI) (31 Arakan State October 2019 - Irrawaddy) (21 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (22 • Child Injured by Military Gunshot October 2019 - BNI) (23 October 2019 - (25 October 2019 - DMG) (25 October BNI) 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (25 October 2019 • Two Civilians Injured in Kyauktaw - Narinjara/Burmese) • (23 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (23 • Rathedaung residents hit by bullets October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) (24 (27 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) October 2019 - BNI) (28 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (28 October 2019 -Narinjara/Burmese) (29 Villagers Forced to Work as Guides • October - BNI) (23 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (23 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) (24 • Student receives injury during clashes October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (28 in Rathedaung Township October 2019 - BNI) (30 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (30 October - DMG) • 2 Civilians Among Injured in Police Truck Attack • Mine blast in Mrauk-U, one killed and (24 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) one injured (25 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) (25 (30 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) (30 October 2019 - Mizzima/Burmese) (25 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (30 October 2019 - DMG/Burmese) (25 October - BNI) October 2019 - Irrawaddy) (28 October

OCTOBER 2019 22

• Monk Tortured by Military (31 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) (31 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (31 LEGISLATION AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS October 2019 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (31 October 2019 - BNI/Burmese) (31 • Burma Ratifies Child Soldier Treaty October 2019 - Irrawaddy) (1 October 2019 - Irrawaddy) (3 October - Eleven) (7 October 2019 - BNI) • Nine Villagers in Minbya Released by • Human Rights Law Added to Burmese the Military University Curriculums (2 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) (16 October 2019 - Irrawaddy/Burmese) (16 October 2019 - The Voice/Burmese) • Civilian in Paletwa Township Injured (17 October 2019 - Irrawaddy) due to Bomb Explosion (4 October 2019 - VOA/Burmese) LAND DISPUTE • Three Villagers Arrested from Myebon Township Relesed by Military (8 October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) • Local Farmers Township • Village Administrator in Lashio Shot Protest Farmland Management to Death Committee in Kawkareik Township (16 October 2019 - RFA/Burmese) (16 (11 October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) October 2019 - DVB/Burmese) • Twenty Percent of Confiscated Land • Woman and Child Injured in Returned in Rangoon (8 October 2019 Rathedaung for Artillery Shell - Mizzima/Burmese) (9 October 2019 - Explosion Eleven/Burmese) (9 October 2019 - (21 ctober 2019 - RFA/Burmese) RFA/Burmese)

• Appeal of Two Kachin Activists • Hpa-an Residents Demand Return of Rejected by State High Court (21 Confiscated Land (14 October 2019 - October 2019 - BNI/Burmese) RFA/Burmese)

• Chairman of ANP in Taungup • Sit-in Protest Over Land Confiscated Township Taken and Investigated on in Hpa-an Township (20 October 2019 suspicion of Sending People to AA (23 - DVB/Burmese) (21 October 2019 - October 2019 - Narinjara/Burmese) BNI/Burmese)

• Man in Displaced Camp Received • About 500 Farmers Demonstrated in Serious Injuries for Stepping on Mine Thilawa Economic Zone (23 October (25 October 2019 - BNI/Burmese) 2019 - RFA/Burmese)

• Two Women in Buthidaung Township Injured Shot by Military Column (28 ctober 2019 - RFA/Burmese)

• RCSS recruit in Kyaukme Township (28 October 2019 - VOA/Burmese)

• Arakan Army Arrested Military ex serviceman, Civilian and Education General Staff (31 October 2019 - VOA/Burmese)

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For more information:

Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) Tate Naing (Secretary) +95(0) 9428 023 828 U Bo Kyi (Joint-Secrtary) +95(0) 942 503 8840

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