Naypyitaw — Myanmar’s police have opened a case against 10 academics at the University of Veterinary Science in Naypyitaw for their alleged participation in the civil disobedience movement (CDM).
The sued academics are Dr. Aung Aung, Dr. Kyaw Kyaw Moe, Dr. Saw Bawm, Dr. Hnin Yi Soe, Dr. Latt Latt Htun, Dr. Khin San Mu, Dr. Win Ohmar Kyaw, Dr. Soe Soe Wai, Dr. Moe Thida Tun and Dr. Hlaing Hlaing Myint.
Police in Yezin, where the university is based, also filed a charge against the university student union chairman, Ko Ye Myint Myat Aung. They all face charges under Article 505(a) of the Penal Code, apparently from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Article 505(a) was amended by the military regime following the Feb. 1 coup. It criminalizes any attempt to disturb or cause disobedience among military personnel or government employees, threatening up to three years in prison.
Ko Ye Myint Myat Aung said he was sued because the student union encouraged government employees to join the CDM.
“All we have to do is to continue our fight against the dictators. I smile at the lawsuit against me,” said Ko Ye Myint Myat Aung.
The Irrawaddy was unable to contact the university staff for a comment.
Nine officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one at the Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry and a deputy stationmaster at Myanma Railways in Naypyitaw face various charges under Article 505 of the Penal Code for their participation in the CDM.
The Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, a body representing deposed parliamentarians of the National League for Democracy, said on March 16 that it would prosecute officials who oppress, threaten and impose unfair punishments on striking civil servants.
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