The Hakha Township court convicted nine persons under Burma’s Counter-Terrorism Law and sentenced eight of them to five years and one to three years.
A man from Chin Human Rights Organisation (CHRO) told Khonumthung News that they were accused of being affiliated with Chinland Defence Front (CDF) but are ordinary citizens.
He said they were detained for nearly five months after being arrested between February and March by police officer Tin Kyaw Thu, who charged the nine people, including a 19-year-old woman, with Articles 51 and 52.
“Many of the young people have joined the people’s revolution. The Burma Army considers all these youths to be its enemies and is accusing them of being linked to the armed organisations,” the source said. But this does not apply to everyone, so the regime should investigate according to the law before proceeding without good reason.
They were taken to Kalay prison in Sagaing Region. According to locals, the army has arrested 30 people in the Chin State capital who are awaiting trial in Hakha Township court.
CHRO says BA soldiers have killed and abducted many civilians and burned down homes and religious buildings in attacks amounting to war crimes in Chin State.