Arakan News Agency
Human Rights Watch on Monday called on Myanmar to abolish the conviction of former child soldier Aung Ko Htwe, who was arrested for talking about his experiences.
A court in Yangon on Wednesday sentenced Aung Ku Htwe to two years in prison under hard labor under article 505 (b) of the Penal Code, which prohibits “acts likely to cause fear or disturbance to the people.”
“The trial of Aung Ko Htwe reveals the dimensions of the Myanmar army’s efforts to silence anyone who exposes their mistakes,” said Brad Adams, director of Asia affairs at Human Rights Watch.
“Former child soldiers must receive support and rehabilitation, not more military violations,” he said.
Aung Ku Htwe was arrested in August last year after an interview with Radio Free Asia in which he said he was recruited by the military in 2005, while he was 15 years old.
He was recently released after serving a 10-year sentence for killing a man after fleeing the Myanmar army in 2007, a crime he says he did not commit.
“I have not been insulted by the state, I have spoken about what I have suffered, and my experience in the military, I should not be indicted under section 505 (b),” Aung Ku Htoy told the court last week.
Aung Ko Htwe faces further charges later this month for standing against a copy of Myanmar’s constitution in protest.
Human rights organizations continue to urge reform of repressive laws in Myanmar, many of which are not allowed to be released on bail, and are remnants of colonial rule.
