For over three days no one has heard from two cousins who were violently beaten and arrested by junta troops in Yangon’s Hlaing Township on 22 May.

It is reported that 28-year-old Win Kyaw Ko, a company employee, and 34-year-old teacher Chaw Su Htwe were beaten and arrested by junta troops in their courtyard in Dhamaryone Road, in Ward (10) of Yangon’s Hlaing Township.

A total of 25 police and five men in plainclothes raided the courtyard at 5:45 p.m. on 22 May. After beating the cousins they left with them at about 7:00 p.m., according to a local resident.

A resident who witnessed the incident said: “Junta soldiers were checking phones on Dhamaryone Road in Hlaing Township. Then, they entered the courtyard and arrested Win Kyaw Ko and slapped him on his face and ear. Next, the junta checked the mobile phones of the residents who live in the courtyard. Because Chaw Su Htwe asked for her phone back she was arrested too. They covered Win Kyaw Ko’s face with black cloth and handcuffed him when they took him away. Chaw Su Htwe was forced into the car.”

Mizzima has been unable to confirm any reason for the cousins’ arrest and over three days after their arrest no one has had any contact with them or knows where they are being detained.