Hearing of Naw Ohn Hla's case on

by Phanida
Tuesday, 10 November 2009 16:48

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – The case against four women, including Naw Ohn Hla was heard yesterday by the Rangoon East District court, where the prosecutor's made their submission.

The four accused Naw Ohn Hla, Myint Myint San, Cho Cho Lwin and Ma Cho appeared in court, in session at the Insein Prison. The prosecutor, Sub-Inspector of Police Aung Tun Thet and two prosecution witnesses from Thingagyun Township Ward level Peace and Development Council Chairmen made submissions in court.

The accused are pro-democracy activists, who are supporters of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. They said they were arrested by police after offering food as alms to monks at the Magwe monastery in South Dagon Township on 3 November.

They were initially sent to an interrogation camp and then transferred to prison. They have been charged under section 505(b) of the Penal Code (crime against state and public tranquility) by the police. Usually such cases are tried in township courts but on the intervention of Naypyitaw, this case is being heard inside the prison, it is learnt.

"Today I asked the judge why this case was being heard at the district court rather than the usual township court. The judge said that they did it under the direction of the High Court in Naypyitaw," Kyaw Hoe said.

The next hearing is on Monday.

All the four accused held prayer meetings every Tuesday for the release of political prisoners, including Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Laureate.