Possible early verdict on Unity Journal case discussed

 

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 that the five accused were charged under orders from the Attorney General and the Minister for Home Affairs. 

Also testifying was Myint Thein, a ward administrator from Pazundaung Township, Yangon, as well as Nyein Maung from the ward administrator’s office in Pakokku.

Both acted as search witnesses, the first during the raid on the Unity Journal’s offices and the second when police major Maung Maung, in charge of the case, collected documents relating to the factory location. Both were unaware of the existence or requirement of search warrants.

The trail against the journalists and CEO, which began on February 14, has drawn international condemnation from journalist associations and human rights groups worldwide. 

Defence lawyers have continually applied for changes in court proceedings, as well as applying twice for CEO Tint San to be granted bail. Judge Maung Maung Htay has repeatedly turned them down.