DVB to screen documentary on corruption

The investigative documentary is called Civil Suit No 416 and 417, and exposes corruption in two land cases that began in 2010 under the former military junta. 

DVB screened the video and then held a question and answer session with director Khin Maung Win, legal expert Maung Maung Win and Win Tun, a defendant who features in the film.

“The film documents two land cases [Sections 416 and 417] in the Yangon region court that occurred in the time of military rule in 2010. These cases are interrelated despite being separate, as both plots of land are owned by the same owner. An opportunist tries to obtain these plots of land in a dishonest way, and we made an investigation into the case, which raises suspicions about bribery. And we have this video record [of the story],” said Khin Maung Win.

Myanmar tops the list of most corrupt countries. Over 90 per cent of complaints received by the legal affairs complaints and appeals committee involve corruption and bribery of judges. 

According to a letter from the minister of home affairs, there are 382 complaints of corruption; 183 cases of which are uncertain, 91 are obvious and 44 of them have been reviewed. MP Thein Nyunt said he is amazed that despite all the complaints, only three cases have been addressed in the judiciary. 

 

Protesters demand end to shackling prisoners in court 

Protesters demonstrated in front of the Yangon West district court on Tuesday as they took a stand against political prisoners being forced to wear shackles in court. 

“Politicians wearing shackles during their trial is a disgrace to human dignity,” said demonstrator Wai Hlu

“If the government truly values the dignity of the political prisoners, through the parliament it has to amend the remaining cases of political prisoners wearing shackles during trials.”

Some protesters wore mock shackles in solidarity with fellow activists, who were forced to wear chains despite being given short sentences. Demonstrators also demanded that political prisoners be allowed to listen to radio and get daily news while they are in prison. 

In 2013, activists who took part in the Laiza peace walk and Letpadaungtaung demonstrations were forced to wear shackles during their trials.

 

Aung San Suu Kyi to give lecture on charter in Maubin

Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will give a talk on amending the constitution in Maubin on May 10, according to MP Sein Win. 

“The talk will be held at the University near the Maubin-Pyapon highway. She has tried several times to visit here and she wants to keep her promise that she will appear, so we are preparing to welcome her,” said Maubin Township MP Sein Win. 

The NLD is currently holding talks to amend the constitution across the country. NLD chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi will give speeches and discuss the weakness of the military-drafted 2008 Constitution.

The NLD and 88 generation youth and open society will hold rallies in favour of amending the constitution on May 17 in Yangon and on May 18 in Mandalay. They will also collect signatures to amend Section 436 between May 27 to July 19 and submit the results to the parliament, the president and respective departments.

In amending the constitution, the most difficult area is Section 436 of Chapter 12, which governs any changes made to the charter. 

It is generally known that attempts to amend the 1974 Constitution ended in violence and bloodshed, but the present constitution is widely seen as more difficult to change, despite moves to unite ethnic minorities, positive actions from political parties and social organisations, and a public largely in favour of reforming the current charter. 

 

Possible early verdict on Unity Journal case discussed 

The Pakokku District Court may deliver a verdict on the case against four journalists and the CEO of the Unity Journal on May 19, just as the ninth hearing began this week.

On the second day of the hearing on Tuesday, the court debated whether to make a ruling at the next hearing, scheduled on May 19, after police Major Maung Maung Than showed an order signed by Home Affairs Minister General Ko Ko, dated February 13, 2014. The letter requested the police major to file a lawsuit against the suspects. So far only 28 out of 40 plaintiff witnesses have been questioned. 

The Unity Journal journalists and CEO are charged with leaking state secrets under the Official Secrets Act, when they reported on the existence of a secret weapons factory in Pauk Township in January. On Monday and Tuesday, two plaintiff witnesses testified. Police Major Maung Maung Than gave evidence saying the five accused were charged under orders from the Attorney-General and the Minister for Home Affairs.