The Arakan State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu appointed by the ousted NLD government has been charged with defamation for posting the Civil Disobedience Movement on social media. 

According to his lawyers he appeared in Sittwe Township court via the online system on February 22nd as a result of the case filed by U Kyaw Thein, Deputy Head of Sittwe Township General Administration Department now in the hands of the military since the February 1st coup.

U Nyi Pu is charged under Section 505 (b). Whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement, rumour or report, (b) with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquility. The defamation charge carries a maximum jail sentence of up to two years.

U Myo Myat Hein, Director of Thazin Legal Aid Group representing the Chief Minister “The virtual court appearance takes place. We submitted defence statements to the court. The next court hearing is scheduled to take place on March 4th. He is in good health”

Ma Kyi Kyi Oo, daughter of U Nyi Pu said: “The army has arrested my father since the military coup on February 1st. He was under house arrest two days after being released. He was arrested on February 10th for the second time. We don’t know about the court appearance. We have lost contact with him. I am concerned about his health. I would like to request officials to release him immediately.”

According to the statement by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) on February 17th, the State Administration Council arrested, and charged more than 460 persons.