Army covers up alleged rape by giving family money

Thursday, January 9th, 2014

A copy of the New Mon State Party's complaint letter for action to be taken against a soldier that allegedly raped a 13-year old Mon girl. [photo: IMNA]

Min Thu Ta – A Burma army battalion commander from IB 31 in Kawzer Sub-township in Mon state allegedly tried to cover up the rape of 13-year old Mon girl from Kyun-nye village by one of his soldiers by threatening the girl's family, and then giving them 500,000 kyat (US$510) to keep quiet.

In front of the victim's parents and several senior villagers, Than Tin Soe, IB 31 battalion commander joint-colonel, gave them the money on Jan. 2, if they signed a letter agreeing the rape case allegedly committed by Than Win was settled.

"If this case is disclosed, the victim's parents won't be safe. They were even told to move out of this village. Because they demanded they sign the agreement, they have to do so," said an anonymous source who witnessed the transaction. 

According to Nai Htun Kyi, Kyun-nye village administrator, villagers reported to him that around 7 pm three soldiers forced a 13-year-old girl to go to nearby school when her parents were away. It was there that Thein Win raped her, he said.

In the evening the victim was sent to hospital in Kaw-zer town where the rape was confirmed, according to a hospital staff member who requested anonymity.

"Right after the case was committed, I did investigation with senior locals I got so angry that I even punched that solider Then, I contacted the battalion commander, and the troop was ordered to return to the Kaw-zer town right away," Nai Htun Kyi said.

Although rape is a criminal matter, the police have not intervened, said Nai Ha-lae, who is an in-charge for the New Mon State Party's (NMSP) liaison office in Ye Town.

"Although this case is widely known as a rape case, the victim's parents had to sign to stop this rumor. This is a crime and it is not civil suit, but the police still can't open this case."

 

On Jan. 4, the NMSP sent a complaint letter to the state government requesting for action to be taken.

Despite ongoing peace talks between the government and ethnic armed groups, the rape of young ethnic women by the Burma army is still happening.

Google+

admin monnews






http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/army-covers-up-alleged-rape-by-giving-family-money/