Junta frequently arrests young men, accusing them of being PDF members

November 14, 2024

HURFOM: On November 8^th, 2024, two underaged boys were arrested by the military junta after being accused of being members of the People’s Defense Force in Kyike Hto Township, Mon State.

The two boys were traveling on the same motorbike from Wall Township, Pegu Division to Kyike Hto Township, when the junta arrested them at the “Sit Taung” bridge security gate.

The boys were interrogated for two days at the Kyike Hto Township Police Station. Junta forces attempted to coerce the parents to pay five million MMK for their release. The family was unable to afford the payment so the junta accused the boys of being PDF members and arrested and charged them. They also seized their motorbike.

“As far as I know, the junta first negotiated with the family to pay five million MMK. The family couldn’t afford the payment and they charged the boys after accusing them of being PDF members,” said a Shwe Kyin resident.

The two boys, 15-year-old Maung Khant Ko Zin and 16-year-old Maung Htet R Kar Phyo are from Za Loat Gyi village, Shwe Kyin Township, Pegu Division. They have been charged under the Anti-terrorist Act Section 50(a) and 52.

Also on November 5^th, 2024, the junta arrested a 27-year-old gold mine worker Maung Kan Kaung and accused him of being a PDF member.

“After the enactment of the public conscription law, the junta frequently arrests pedestrians and young men after accusing them of being PDF members,” said a local source.

On September 2^nd, 2024, the junta shot at and arrested four young men from Tha Byu Chaung village, Paung Township, Mon State after accusing them of being PDF members.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News