More than 60 individuals, including owners and employees of two White House and Sweet Dream KTVs in Sittwe Township, Rakhine State, have been charged at the Sittwe Myoma police station under a section of the law that could lead to a maximum prison term of 3 years, as reported by individuals familiar with the situation.

An individual familiar with the Rakhine state government office revealed that a combined total of 64 people, which includes 49 employees from White House KTV (including the owner and manager) and 15 employees from Sweet Dream KTV (also including the owner and manager), have been charged under Article 32 of the Television and Video Law on July 31.

"Yes, they are facing charges. Over 60 individuals have been charged," he confirmed.

White House KTV is situated in West San Pya Ward, while Sweet Dream KTV is located in Min Gan Ward, both within Sittwe Township.

On July 30 at 12:00, Military Council troops and police forces conducted a raid on Rock & Roll KTV in Ma Gyi Myaing Ward, Sittwe Township, as well as on the aforementioned two KTVs.

Following the raid, the manager, employees, and guests who were at the KTVs were taken into custody and transferred to the Sittwe Myoma police station.

The individuals who were apprehended were charged on the following day, July 31, and subsequently released on bail.

The charge brought against them under Section 32 of the Television and Video Law can result in a penalty of a fine amounting to 100,000 Kyats, a prison sentence of up to 3 years, or a combination of both.

The KTVs were raided and individuals were arrested because they disregarded the agreement made by the State Military Council, which stated that KTVs in Sittwe should remain temporarily closed and not operate.

There have been reports of KTVs in the state being arrested and charged for operating beyond 12:00pm. We reached out to the Sittwe Myoma police station to inquire about the reasons for their arrest and charges, but we have not received any response as of now.

Likewise, we contacted Sittwe Township Administrator U Kyaw Lwin by phone, and he directed us to inquire solely with the police station officials regarding this issue.

This year, the Military Council has issued instructions to allow the operation of restaurants, KTVs, bars, nightclubs, and massage parlors across the nation only if they possess valid business licenses. They have also ordered the shutdown of establishments operating without the requisite permits, starting from July 5.

Following these instructions, commencing from June, the Military Council carried out inspections of KTVs in different townships, including Myawaddy in Karen State, Mawlamyine in Mon State, Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Kachin State. They arrested and penalized KTVs that did not comply with the stipulated rules and regulations.

In a similar manner, KTVs in Sittwe underwent raids and individuals were arrested by the Military Council.