The Arakan Chief Minister U Nyi Pu from NLD party was arrested by the army on February 10th but he has yet to publicly appear in court, as officials have conducted the first two hearings via a video conference.

U Nyein Chan, a lawyer from Thazin Legal Aid Group who represents U Nyi Pu in court, has said that his client has called on the court to allow him to appear in person, just like any other defendant.

"We held a meeting on the case management plan (CMP) at today’s court hearing. The next court appearance is scheduled for March 17th” U Nyein Chan added.

The ousted chief minister been charged under Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code in line with a nationwide pattern of detaining and charging all the chief ministers appointed  by the previous NLD-led government..

The first court appearance of the chief minister was held via video conferencing on February 22nd. U Nyi Pu has been under the detention of the army, U Nyein Chan added.

Ma Kyi Kyi Oo, the daughter of U Nyi Pu said: “I am unable to contact my father. The authorities did not say exactly where he is. I want to know his health condition.”