RANGOON — Nilar Thein, a leading member of the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society, was arrested on Wednesday under the Peaceful Assembly Law for allegedly participating in a protest a year ago in support of students advocating for education reform.
The prominent activist made a brief court appearance in Rangoon Division’s Mayangone Township on Wednesday and is currently incarcerated at Insein Prison.
Nilar Thein’s husband Jimmy, who is also a member of the 88 Generation group, told The Irrawaddy that the activist was charged under Article 18 of the Peaceful Assembly Law for involvement in a protest in Rangoon held in support of students demanding amendments to the National Education Law.
He said police were acting on an arrest warrant and that the former political prisoner had waived the right to appeal for bail.
“We will not seek bail or pay a fine. But we will respond against the police warrant in accordance with the law since they accused her of being a fugitive, though she didn’t run away,” he said.
Frequently used to imprison peaceful activists, Article 18 of the Peaceful Assembly Law prescribes sentences of up to six months for individuals found guilty of participating in an unlawful protest.
