Satirist Released But Detention of Chief Editor Continues in Article 66(d) Case

19.6.17

Satirist Released But Detention of Chief Editor Continues in Article 66(d) Case: [irrawaddy.com] An army official brought charges against the pair for publishing an article in March that satirized the country’s armed struggle and peace process. Both journalists were detained by Yangon’s Bahan Township police on June 2, with trial proceedings being initiated the following day.

U Kyaw Min Swe and Ko Kyaw Zwa Naing—also known by his pen name British Ko Ko Maung—pledged to meet bail in line with Section 497(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which states that any person arrested without a warrant or summoned to the court can request temporary release with the permission of a judge. The attempt was dismissed by judge Daw Thara Phi Aung, who stated that the two journalists had failed to provide in a timely manner a medical recommendation that would justify the granting of bail.