The Judiciary Department of the Chin National Organization (CNO) recently conducted trials for 11 individuals involved in various crimes within Falam Township, Chin State. These trials set up by the anti- coup movement led by the CNO, adhered to established legal practices and resulted in appropriate punishments being imposed.
The judicial process of the CNO is overseen by a dedicated team of judges and lawyers within the CNO Judiciary Department, which commenced its operations in October 2022. As of 2023, trials and subsequent punishments have been initiated, adhering to the relevant sections of criminal laws. Recognizing the vital role of the judiciary as a cornerstone in preventing the revolutionaries from turning into dictators themselves, CNO is committed to strengthening the administration of a legal system for the benefit of all within their zones of control.
On June 13th, CNO made an announcement regarding the prosecution of individuals responsible for heinous crimes such as murder, rape, child rape, theft, arson, and drug trafficking within the areas under their control. These perpetrators were duly prosecuted, and in accordance with the law, they were subsequently sentenced to fines, imprisonment, or both by the CNO and its armed wing, the Chin National Defense Force (CNDF).
The court convicted all 11 accused as follows:
1)four of the offenders were fined and subsequently released under the condition that they would not engage in the committed crime again.
2) On the other hand, the remaining seven individuals were sentenced to prison terms ranging from one to ten years, according to CNO’s secretary of Judiciary Department, Salai Van Sui San.
In the case of two rape perpetrators, one of them was sentenced to eight years of imprisonment under Section 376, while the other, who committed the rape of a minor, received a ten-year prison sentence with hard labor, as per the provisions of Section 360.
Among the individuals involved in setting fire to houses, each of the three offenders received a one-year prison sentence, in accordance with Section 463. Furthermore, one perpetrator involved in an act of violence was sentenced to one year in prison under Section 506.
CNO's police department has assumed the responsibility for the healthcare needs of the seven convicts who are currently incarcerated in prison.
The four individuals involved in theft and drug dealing were subjected to fines ranging from 500,000 to 350,000 kyats, based on the severity of their offenses. Prior to their release, they were required to sign a commitment promising not to engage in the same criminal activities again.
"If these individuals, despite signing a commitment promising not to engage in the same crimes again, choose to repeat their offenses, they will not be granted release but will instead face imprisonment," stated the authorities”, Salai Van Sui San said.
"As an example, in the trial of child rape, we made every effort to gather compelling medical evidence to establish the defendant's guilt. Moreover, we ensured that the defendant received the due process of law by providing ample opportunity for his defense through 10 court hearings. It was only after meticulously following these steps that we arrived at the final verdict”, Salai Van Sui San explained.
During CNO's trials, the inclusion of revolutionary comrades in the courtroom and the filing of charges, if required, are part of the planned process. CNO aims to enhance the judicial system at all levels, ranging from the township to the state level. Recognizing the vital role of the judiciary as a cornerstone in preventing the revolutionaries from turning into dictators themselves, CNO is actively working towards strengthening it and these efforts require support from various quarters, Salai Van Sui San added.
