Rohingya Receive Prison Sentences in Irrawaddy Region
By Network Media Group
Friday, January 5, 2023
The military regime in Irrawaddy Region has sentenced 167 Rohingya to three years in jail after the navy arrested them at sea when the engine of their boat failed. They had fled internally displaced person camps (IDPs) in northern Arakan State, an area where they face extreme poverty yet are confined.
Every year, many Rohingya, denied citizenship despite being born in Burma, undertake a dangerous journey to make it to Malaysia in hopes of securing employment and a better life. However, the ruling State Administration Council (SAC) is intent on penalizing them for attempting to escape the daily misery they endure in Arakan State.
“They are charged with violating the immigration act. After serving their complete prison term, they will be sent back to Arakan State,” an immigration officer told NMG.
The 167 Rohingya (87 females, 80 males) were apprehended near Haigyi Kyun Island in Ngaputaw Township in early November of last year. The local township court charged them with violating Article 63 on December 29. Of this number, 35 minors were arrested, and the court sent them to youth detention centers based on their gender until they reach 18.
Police in Ngaputaw reported that the navy seized the boat, cell phones, and money from those arrested.
Ko Tun Oo, a member of the Myanmar-Muslim Youth Network, told NMG, “They faced strife in their IDPs camps and traveled to Malaysia for work.” They came from Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships in northern Arakan State.
Ten Arakanese and Bamar nationals were also arrested and will be charged under the Anti Trafficking in Persons Law.
The junta has already sentenced 351 Rohingya intercepted at sea from Laputta, Ngaputaw, and Ngayok Kaung towns, and Haigyi Kyun and Gawrangi islands in Irrawaddy Region last year.
