Activist condemns govt over copper mine project
Play
An activist calling for the termination of the Letpadaungtaung copper mine project has been detained after staging a protest without permission in Monywa on Tuesday, reports say.
Pho Sanay was charged under section 18 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Act and then released on bail.
He began his march in Yangon, and he was welcomed by nearly 100 residents of Letpadaungtaung in Monywa.
He shouted in front of the police station: “I protest against the Sagaing Region government as their actions are not right. I condemn Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for not working for the people. The law is not on the people’s side. The police chief brought me to the station telling that I need to ask for permission. Then, they cornered me and filed a case against me.”
He then travelled to Letpadaungtaung by car.
He was also charged under Section 18 and released on bail by the Sagaing Police Force on May 23. However, he skipped his court appearance, which took place on May 24.
“I will not go to the court as I don’t believe in Section 18. Also, I think a solo march does not fall under Section 18. I will continue my march,” said the protester.
Police Captain Kyaw Htun Naing of the Sagaing Township Police Force said: “Yes, he skipped bail. We’re going to submit his case to the township court.”
