English Teacher Arrested in Magwe for Alleged Rape

By Zarni Mann 24 April 2017

MANDALAY — A volunteer English teacher in Pakokku, Magwe Division was apprehended and sent to Pakokku prison on Monday for rape charges, according to local police.

Myo Zaw Htwe, a volunteer English teacher at a local charity group was arrested last week for allegedly raping his girlfriend and threatening to post indecent pictures of her on the Internet if she went to the police.

“We received his statement, filed a case under Article 376 of Burma’s Penal Code and sent him to prison. The case will be brought to court next week,” a Pakokku police officer said.

The incident spread on social media, with many saying the National League for Democracy member had defamed the party’s image.

Pictures of Myo Zaw Htwe wearing an NLD shirt and participating in election campaigns were circulated, with netizens condemning him and urging the party to take action.

However, the party office in Pakokku issued a statement that said he was not a party member and that according to office records; he had no affiliation with the party office.

The charity group where Myo Zaw Htwe has volunteered as an English teacher also issued a statement to the effect that this case was a personal matter and unrelated to its affiliated organizations.