MANDALAY – Alleged members of the Arakan Army (AA) and three others who according to police were arrested with explosives and arms were presented to the Mandalay District Court on Tuesday for the first time.
Ko Aung Lin Htet, Ko Myat Khaing, Ko Chan Nyein and Ko Kyaw Kyaw Phyo were allegedly arrested with 28 packs of gunpowder, 1,000 detonators and accessories, 40 satellite phones, 30 binoculars and 25 GPS devices at a house in Chanmyathazi Township on Sept. 10.
The police accuse Ko Aung Lin Htet of being a warrant officer class 2 in the AA, Ko Myat Khaing and Ko Chan Nyein are alleged lance corporals and Ko Kyaw Kyaw Phyo is a supervisor on the Shwe Pyi Thit highway bus.
Following their arrest, the police say they detained two gem traders, Ko Moe Kyaw and Ko Win Thein, and are looking for the remaining suspects.
Mandalay Court spokeswoman Daw Malar Htut told the media that arrest warrants for three other suspects had been issued.
“Arrest warrants have been issued for Phyo Wai, Mg Mg Soe and Ma Oo Than Khin ahead of the next court hearing on Oct. 22. On that day, the court will begin hearing from the witnesses,” she said.
They are charged under the Counterterrorism Law, which carries sentences of five years to life imprisonment.
Article 50 of the law states that anyone involved with a terrorist bombing should face up to life imprisonment.
Article 51 carries up to 10 years’ imprisonment for supplying bomb parts.
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