Gambling events take place across Mon State: Symptom of a failure of the rule of law

January 31, 2024

HURFOM: Under the authority of the military council, gambling events have been publicly organized across Mon and Karen State, and a member of the village/ward Administration department told HURFOM it has been a consequence of the failed rule of law.

In addition to gambling events, accepting bribes, financial extortion, the illicit drug trade and using unlicensed vehicles are all happening widely in Mon State. The junta’s check-points have also been extorting money from motorists, motorbike riders and local plantation workers after labeling and accusing them of manufactured crimes.

“In most villages in Mon State, gambling events have been organized under the protection of the Burmese army. Also, you must pay bribes if you have a legal case. Even illicit drug dealers can be freed after paying bribes. This is the result of a failed rule of law,” said the village/ward Administration member.

According to local reports, pro-military groups have been organizing gambling events in Ye, Thanbyuzayat, Mudon, Kyikemayaw and Chaung Zone Townships, Mon State and Kaw Ka Rate and Kyarinnseikyi Townships, Karen State.

“Gambling events are avenues for the military to make extra money. The military has allowed gambling events and collects a tax from the organizers,” said a member of a local militia group.

Splinter ethnic armed groups operating under the military junta such as the Mon Peace Front, the Border Guard Force – BGF and even the village/ward Administration department profit from gambling events across Mon and Karen States.

In the past three years, since the attempted coup, the administrative and security staff of the military junta have increasingly demanded bribes from people and the rule of law has totally failed, leaving the grassroots unprotected.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News