Military intelligence officer absent during Brang Shawng court proceedings

AN IDP BRANG SHAWNG WAS DETAINED IN THE CAMP IN JA MAI KAWNG BAPTIST CHURCH IN MYITKYINA BY POLICE AND MILITARY INTELLIGENCE ON JUNE 17.

Military Intelligence Officer Kyaw Zwa Lin, who is a plaintiff in the Lahtaw Brang Shawng trial, was ordered to appear in court after a judge summoned him for examination.

Brang Shawng was arrested by Burmese authorities in Jan Mai Kawng Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp under suspicion of being part of a bombing operation and having contact with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) on June 17.

According to Brang Shawng’s lawyer Ma Hka, Police Officer Aung Mya Than appeared before the court in place of Kyaw Zwa Lin.

“We cross examined him about accusations that Brang Shawng was working for Kachin Independent Organization (KIO) from 2004 to 2011 while he stayed in KIO- controlled area. But at the time Brang Shawng was staying with his uncle and working at a gold mine,” said Ma Hka.

Under examination Aung Mya Than claimed Brang Shawng was a Kachin Independence Army (KIA) Sergeant from 2004 to 2011.

According to Ma Hka the Myityina court made notes of Brang Shawng’s injuries while under arrest but asked very little about how he was hurt.

Many people think Brang Shawng injuries are a result of being tortured by police and military intelligence.

Brang Shawng’s lawyer Ma Hka appealed the arrest of Brang Shawng on three points but two were rejected.

“A judge allowed only point to be acknowledged. Brang Shawng’s injuries should be checked by a doctor and recorded in court,” said Ma Hka.

It’s still unknown whether or not Military Intelligence officer Kyaw Zwa Lin will take the stand as a plaintiff when the trial continues on July 16.