A rape-murder case in the death of two Kachin teachers in Kawng Kha village, in northern Shan State, one year ago, has been released.
Compiled by the Kachin Women’s Association of Thailand (KWAT) and the Legal Aid Network (LAN),the report includes witness testimony which alleges the involvement of Army officers and soldiers.
“The government’s priorities were clear in the Kawng Kha case – protect the military at all cost,” said KWAT General Secretary Moon Nay Li. “We urge the new NLD government to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice, and end military impunity.”
The report says police were only allowed to question 28 of the 40 troops stationed in the village at the time of the crime, each for only a few minutes.
Key evidence, such as bloody fingerprints, failed to be recorded, and “some villagers were tortured to try and force them to confess to the crime,” said KWAT.
The report focuses on the role of “command responsibility” and the issue of immunity for high government officials for crimes committed on their watch.
The military’s power and influence over the police and judiciary is highlighted as a key structural barrier to justice in Myanmar, and it should be addressed through constitutional reform, said KWAT.
“Whatever amnesty he grants himself in Burma, President Thein Sein is still liable to prosecution for war crimes in accordance with the Geneva Convention, to which Burma is a party, if evidence on ‘command responsibility’ is found.” said Hkawng Lum, a human rights lawyer working with LAN.
The full report can be found on www.kachinwomen.com or www.legalaidnetwork.org