Rohingyas Released From Jail Under Presidential Amnesty

Rohingyas Released From Jail Under Presidential Amnesty
by -
Mizzima

Several Rohingyas were released from Akyab Jail on the evening of 7th October 2014 following a presidential amnesty according to Bo Min Aung, a Human Rights Defender from Bangkok.

He said they included his father U Kyaw Hla Aung, U Kyaw Myint and Hla Myint.

He said: "These were prisoners whose sentences would have been completed in a few months and we, the family members would like to express our special thanks to all those who campaigned for the release of these Rohingyas one of whom was my father."

U Kyaw Hla Aung, U Kyaw Myint and Hla Myint were arrested on 15th July 2013 and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment under section 147/150 on 26th September at Akyab Court according to family members.

The men were released because they qualified for the presidential amnesty which was granted to any prisoners who had six months or less left of their sentence.

The men had to sign a bond under criminal procedure code section 401 promising not become involved in any other crime or unlawful activity in the future. If they break the terms of the bond they will be returned to prison and will have to serve the remainder of their terms according to Aung Saw, an elder from Akyab.

U Kyaw Hla Aung who, according to his family, suffers from heart problems, high blood pressure and arthritis has returned to his family who have been living in an IDP camp since 2012.