Eight Rohingyas were included in a presidential amnesty for political prisoners on New Year’s Eve. Four were released from Akyab Jail and the others from Buthidaung, according to an anonymous humanitarian based in Maungdaw.
Master Husson and Younous; a Ward two administration officer, were among the four released from the Akyab Jail. Mohamed Rafique from Ward six and Shamshu from Taungbro were released from Buthidaung Jail, according to the anonymous source.
Most of the prisoners were charged with leading sectarian violence against ethnic Rakhine in June of 2012, said a Maungdaw school teacher, who also didn't want their name used.
The allegations were false, and they were not involved in the unrest, or given a fair trial, one of the victims’ relatives told Kaladan Press Network on condition of anonymity.
There are still many more Rohingys that have been falsely charged still languishing in Arakan state prisons, said Kalu, a Maungdaw shopkeeper.
