May Sabe Phyu from the Kachin Peace Network told Mizzima that she and her colleague Maran Jaw Gun will appeal their convictions by a Sanchaung Township court after they stagedan unauthorized protest on 21 September, the International Day of Peace.
The court sentenced the two activists under section 18 of the constitution, which criminalizes protests or demonstrations held without permission from the government. May Sabe Phyu and Maran Jaw Gun had demonstrated without approval throughout Sanchaung and Dagon Townships.
“We will obey the court’s order to pay a fine, but we will appeal our convictions in a higher court,” May Sabe Phyu told Mizzima.
Six other activists who participated in protests throughout Kyimyindine, Ahlone, and Sanchaung Townships on 21 September were also sentenced by the Sanchaung court to one month’s imprisonment.
Zin Mar Aung from the Rainfall Gender Study Group commented, “We absolutely do not approve of section 18. The actions taken under it are inconsistent and unfair.”
Section 18 is currently under review as part of the government’s initiative to reorganize and amend the constitution.
