Four local villagers have been arrested for holding an unauthorized protest to demand the release of an activist opposed to the Letpadaung copper mine project in Sagaing Division, according to a report by DVB. Thaw Zaw, a former political prisoner who has played a leading role in efforts to stop land confiscation related to the Chinese-run project, was taken into custody on Feb. 11 and charged with disturbing public tranquility. When news of his arrest spread, local villagers gathered in front of the Nyaungbingyi Police Station to demand his release. Four members of the group were later charged with unlawful assembly under Article 18 of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law.