Daw Nyo Aye, the president of the Rakhine Women Network (RWN), who is facing charges under Section 505(b) for allegedly inciting sedition by attending the Rice Crisis Day ceremony, is scheduled to appear in Sittwe Township Court on August 29, as informed by her family members.
"Because in-person meetings are prohibited, my mother receives food only through individuals visiting the inmates. Today, my mother relayed a message through a woman who was visiting the inmates. She informed me that the trial date is not on the 22nd but has been scheduled to the 29th. This information was passed to me by a woman visiting the inmates," shared Ma Saw Mya Thandar, the daughter of Daw Nyo Aye.
On the afternoon of August 15, 68-year-old Daw Nyo Aye was arrested by the police in Sittwe Township.
As stated by her family members, Daw Nyo Aye was arrested by the police for attending the 56th Sittwe Rice Crisis Memorial Day ceremony. This event was organized by the Sittwe Student Union and took place at the Sittwe Student Union office in Sittwe on August 13.
Following her arrest, she was transported to Sittwe Prison and subsequently detained under Section 505(b) for inciting sedition.
Section 505(b) carries the potential for a punishment that could involve a two-year prison sentence, a fine, or a combination of both.
Ma Saw Mya Thandar stated that Daw Nyo Aye is dealing with high blood pressure and heart disease. On the day of her arrest, Daw Nyo Aye was suffering from the flu and was receiving treatment through a drip. Despite her health condition, she was taken into custody by the police, causing her significant concern about her well-being.
"I'm feeling a great deal of worry about my mother's health. This concern stems from her ongoing medical treatment needs. Being 68 years old, she's considered elderly and requires medication to manage her health condition effectively. Adequate and timely nutrition is also essential for her well-being. It's my strong desire for her to receive medical care outside of prison, which amplifies my worries. The fact that I'm not permitted to see her further intensifies my distress," she shared.
Daw Nyo Aye participated in the Sittwe Rice Crisis Memorial Day ceremony, which aimed to remember the events of August 13, 1967. On that day, the military opened fire on the protesters in Sittwe who were demanding a resolution to the rice shortage in Rakhine State. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of approximately 300 lives.