Advocate Aung Thurein Tun says it is unfair that anti-war demonstrators were not given permission to hold a rally and that the police then cracked down.
In 2018, Yangon Region government issued a directive which banned all demonstrations in the 11 townships of Yangon and to give permission only at the People’s Voice corner in Tamwe when an application is received.
“They responded to us as saying they did not give permission to us because of this directive but we told them that this was just a directive issued by Yangon Region government. It is not the law. The directive can’t overrule the law and constitution. These are our civic rights and fundamental rights,” he said.
He noted that two other demonstrations were allowed to go ahead, claiming this was unfair.
An anti-war demonstration was staged on 12 May 2018 in Tamwe and police force cracked down the demonstration by using force and they prosecuted the leading persons in this rally and those who gave speeches at demonstration under Section 10 of Peaceful Demonstration and Marching in Procession Law.
“Disregard of like or dislike 2008 constitution, this is the freedom of expression granted by constitution. This right should be equal. If they gave permission to one group, they must give such permission to other groups too. Giving permission to one group and did not give to another group is unfair and unequal,” Advocate Aung Thurein Tun added.
This case, which has been underway for one year, involving Myat Kyaw, Zeyar Lwin, Pai Soe Thu and another 14 accused, was heard at Bahan Township court in Yangon on 24 May.
One of the accused in this case, Myat Kyaw, told Mizzima, “This case has been delayed. We are doing for submission of application to constitution court in issue of law of overruling the rights granted by constitution with order and directive issued by Yangon Region government. So this case has been delayed because of this issue of law.”
Demonstrators turned up at the hearing wearing blue t-shirts with slogans calling for the withdrawal of cases filed by the Tatmadaw. The group was protesting against actions in a different case concerning an alleged defamation incident during the recent Thingyan festival.
