Myanmar Facebook user jailed for mocking military
MYANMAR – Chaw Sandi Htun, who was charged under Section 66(D) of the Electronic Communications Law over a Facebook post that compared the color of Aung San Suu Kyi’s htamein (traditional skirt) to that of the recently introduced military uniforms, was brought to the Maubin court for her final hearing on December 28.
Maubin Township Judge Hla Myat Mon sentenced her to six months in prison after reading out an 11-page ruling, which took about 20 minutes.
Chaw Sandi Htun told the media that the ruling was unfair, as was made without any strong evidence.
“I think it’s totally unfair. I’ve been given a prison sentence of six months saying I’m convicted. If this is just, there are many internet users who would be guilty. No one should be above the law. A person shouldn’t be punished just for being a member of National League for Democracy (NLD). And I ask for no action to be taken for this,” she said.
“It’s unfair. She will be badly affected by that penalty. And she is an educated girl. This shows [the government] wants to jail all who speak ill of it. People can be jailed physically, but not their spirits. This is not shameful for her, I think. We can expect amnesty, and we will appeal against it,” said Chaw Sandi Htun’s mother.
“We don’t have the same view as the court. I think she should be acquitted. The judge doesn’t have the same view as we do. But her situation is not that bad. She is the first Facebook user to be charged and jailed. It’s the first of its kind in legal proceedings over Facebook for the judge and the court. The case may have been difficult for them,” said Chaw Sandi Htun’s lawyer Robert San Aung.
Zaw Moe, an elected NLD candidate for Maubin constituency, said the administration sector is still above the judiciary and that the legal system has declined under the current government, adding that he thinks there is no rule of law.
The court hearing today took place earlier than the normal ones, and about 50 policemen guarded the court during the proceedings.
