The administration and judiciary in Rakhine State are overseen by the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) and up to 3,838 complaints were filed in the ULA/AA courts in 2021, according to an Arakan Army (AA) spokesman.
A total of 1,846 crimes and 1,992 lawsuits were filed, said Khaing Thukha, a spokesman from the Arakan Army (AA) at a press conference on 5 March.
1,025 criminal cases and 875 lawsuit cases were processed and 821 criminal cases and 1,117 lawsuits are still pending.
"The pending cases are due to the COVID-19 condition and in some cases the need for technical assistance. In addition, experts still need to assess cases”, said Khaing Thukha.
The Rakhine people have expressed dissatisfaction with the abuse of power by some members of the ULA/AA administration and some judicial decisions.
He said that the ULA/AA was aware of the judicial wrongdoings and abuse of power and was taking the allegations seriously.
He said those who abused their power would be punished if the public properly complained about the abuses.
“Some people may not be able to talk fluently since they are not well-trained personnel…. There are consequences for abusing power. People should report it carefully if it persists. We will later inform the people as much as we can about who is taking action and what action they are taking", added Khaing Thukha.
He said he was reviewing cases that needed to be reviewed and attempting to bring about justice and truth for the Arakan people.
At a press conference he encouraged people to act responsibly rather than condemn others.