Four young people who joined a protest against high commodity prices and mandatory military service in Yangon on Thursday were arrested by the regime the same day.
The two men arrested were Ko Zaw Lin Htut, aka Poe Thar, a University Students’ Union Alumni Force co-founder and freelance photojournalist; and Ko Aung Min Khaing, aka Mae Gyi, leader of the Youth Strike Committee (YSC). The two women detained were YSC members Ma Mya Myintzu and Ma Hnin Ei Khaing.
“We lost contact with them on September 19,” said Ko Nan Lin, of the Anti-Junta Alliance Yangon. “When we regained contact with them later that night, we noticed something was wrong. Then, we lost contact with them again. So, we knew that they had been arrested.”
Regime personnel also raided possible hideouts of others who participated in Thursday’s protest.
University Students’ Union Alumni Force said in a statement on Saturday that the four detainees are thought to be undergoing torture in interrogation, a common regime tactic.
“We are afraid, but our faith always helps us overcome the fear. We have concerns before we stage a protest. But once we start shouting anti-regime slogans, and we are completely convinced we can oust the military dictatorship this time to win our liberty and determine our own future, then we can overcome the fear,” said Ko Nan Lin.
Family members have expressed concern about the well-being of the four detainees, whose whereabouts are still unknown.
