Hundreds of cases closed against activists

17 August 2016
Hundreds of cases closed against activists
Family members and friends of political activists pose for a group photo after their release from Insein prison in Yangon, Myanmar, 17 April 2016. Photo: Nyein Chan Naing/EPA

Authorities in Myanmar have closed more than 450 cases against activists following requests from the nation’s top two leaders, RFA reported on 16 August quoting Tin Myint, permanent secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry.
They were released just before the start of the country’s New Year holiday on April 11.
Many activists had been prosecuted under Articles 505(b) and 143 of the country’s penal code, as well as Article 18 of the country’s Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law.
Authorities had routinely charged activists under these articles which pertain to unlawful assembly and inciting the public to commit “acts against the state.” The report said.