Junta Forces Arbitrarily Arrest Young Couple in Yebyu Township Without Evidence

June 20, 2025

HURFOM: Junta forces have arbitrarily arrested a young married couple in Paya village, accusing them without clear evidence of having links to anti-regime resistance forces, according to local residents.

On June 17 at around 1:40 PM, Ko Aung Ko Thet, in his 20s, and his wife Ma Mee Chu, who live in the upper part of Paya village near Ohn Pin Kwin, were taken from their home by heavily armed junta soldiers. Eyewitnesses told HURFOM that the troops stormed into the house and forcefully detained the couple.
“They weren’t just arrested — they were beaten as they were taken. The soldiers didn’t follow any proper procedures,” said a local villager who witnessed the incident.

The Junta claims the arrests are related to a June 15 attack near Shwe Moe Nyo Pagoda, close to the same village, where three soldiers reportedly died when three junta checkpoints were struck simultaneously. Junta forces are accusing the young couple of having connections to local People’s Defense Forces (PDF), though no evidence has been presented to support the claims.

After their arrest, both were reportedly taken to the headquarters of the Mawrawaddy Naval Command. Locals said the husband was beaten during the interrogation process, adding to concerns over the couple’s safety and the lack of due process.

“This is not the first time,” said another villager. “On May 30, four other locals in Kanbauk village—including non-CDM healthcare workers—were also arrested at their homes under suspicion of resistance links. They were only released more than two weeks later, on June 16.”

The growing trend of arbitrary arrests based on vague accusations is deepening fear and insecurity among civilians in junta-controlled areas. HURFOM strongly condemns these unlawful detentions and calls for immediate protection for civilians and the restoration of legal rights and due process in all cases.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News