Mandalay residents stage second protest against killing of freelance reporter
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Residents of Mandalay held a candlelight vigil for the second time yesterday to denounce the October 4 killing of freelance reporter Aung Kyaw Naing, also known as Par Gyi, by the military in Mon State.
Mandalay-based political forces including reporters and members of groups advocating for the rights of students, workers, farmers and women rights joined the protest, marching from the city’s historic clock tower to a jetty by the Ayeyawady River late yesterday afternoon.
The vigil was also joined by members of political forces from Sagaing Region.
“An investigation commission has been formed to probe the death of Ko Par Gyi. But we don’t have to stop here. We (the people) have to continue to watch and demand (a fair investigation),” said one protester Nyi Nyi Kyaw.
The demonstrators chanted slogans calling for ensuring the rule of law and rights of the citizens and bringing the murderers of Par Gyi to justice.
“Police has opened a case against me under Section 18 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Act for my participation in the first protest,” said Thein Aung Myint, who is facing a lawsuit at Aungmyaythazan Township Court.
“It is not important for me to have been charged under Section 18. It is only important to ensure the rule of law and bring the case to justice.”
Mandalay-based political groups and civic organisations issued a message of condolence over the death of Par Gyi.
The first candlelit vigil took place on October 27.
The wife of Par Gyi sent a complaint to Kyaikaraw Township Police Station in Mon State on October 19 saying her husband had been missing since September 30.
The interim Press Council received an emailed statement from the military on October 23, saying the reporter was shot dead on October 4 in Kyaikmaraw Township. He was killed in custody after he tried to seize a gun from a guard and escape, the statement claimed.
