RPPSC to scrutinise 60 prisoners—including violators of the Military Act

RPPSC to scrutinise 60 prisoners—including violators of the Military Act

Published on Monday, 18 November 2013 19:44

YANGON—The Remaining Political Prisoners Scrutiny Committee (RPPSC) formed by the government will scrutinise 60 prisoners, including those deemed to have violated the Military Act (Tatmadaw Act), according to RPPSC member Ye Aung.

The scrutiny will occur at a RPPSC meeting to be held at the Myanmar Peace Centre in Yangon this coming Saturday (November 23).

The 60 prisoners to be scrutinized at the upcoming meeting remain in their respective prisons, said Ye Aung, adding that the committee is making enquiries about 15 prisoners who remain on the list, trying to determine at which institutions they are incarcerated.

"We will focus on the 60 prisoners at the meeting on November 23. Some of them have been jailed on a series of charges. The next controversial point is that some have violated the Military Act," said Ye Aung, adding that each case will be considered regardless of whether or not the person involved is a political prisoner.

"Three captains from the Air Force wrote articles sharing their feelings on the Internet. This is a violation of the Military Act. For some who have served in the army, after their resignation they made contacts with armed groups in another country and then re-entered Myanmar and faced court cases. This also violates the Military Act. Some have been involved with other crimes," said Ye Aung.

The 88 Generation Peace and Open Society, Former Political Prisoners Group, Assistance Association for Political Prisoners and the

Former Political Prisoners Federation submitted a list of 126 prisoners to be examined (whether they are political prisoners or not) to the president with the approval of the RPPSC. The president granted amnesty to 69 political prisoners on Friday last week.

"The committee is satisfied with the release of the political prisoners, as the government released them soon after we submitted the list. If the committee members reach the agreement, that's usually a good sign there will be a release of prisoners. The most important thing is being able to reach the agreement," said Ye Aung.

With the recommendation of the RPPSC, together with the order of the president, an amnesty was granted to 93 prisoners in April, 23 in May, 73 in July and 56 in October.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/rppsc-to-scrutinise-60-prisoners-including-violators-of-the-military-act/