from Radio Free Asia

A court in central Myanmar has sentenced an activist to a decade in prison for “threatening national security” after he led a protest against a controversial China-backed copper mine which led to clashes with authorities, according to a fellow campaigner.

Judge Kaythi Hlaing of the Shwebo city court handed Aung Soe, an activist with Myanmar’s People’s Support Network, the 10-year sentence on Monday after convicting him on eight charges linked to the violence on April 25, Moe Moe, also of the activist’s group, told RFA’s Myanmar Service.   

The group had backed hundreds of farmers protesting the alleged seizure of their land by Wan Bao Company, which runs the copper mine near Mount Letpadaung in northern Burma’s Sagaing division.

Shan Herald Agency for News

The Peace and Democratic Front (PDF) alliance, formed by the ex-Communist Party of Burma (CPB) forces in the wake of its overthrow in 1989, will be joining today’s conference held in Chiangmai by the Ulnited Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), according to sources from the Thai-Burmese border.

It includes representatives from the Panghsang-based United Wa State Party/United Wa State Army (UWSP/UWSA), Moongla-based National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) that has been in exile out of its Kokang base since 2009.

Xiao Hsarm Khun speaking at the Shan-Kayah Trust Building for Peace conference in Lashio, Shan State, on 22 March 2013 (Photo: Kawli Media)

Todd Pitman

MANDALAY (Myanmar): It’s been two years since Myanmar’s new government promised its people a more open way of life, but still they come, plainclothes state intelligence officers asking where former student activist Mya Aye is and when he’ll be back.

Politicians, journalists, writers, diplomats, too, find themselves being watched: Men on motorcycles tailing closely. The occasional phone call. The same, familiar faces at crowded street cafes.

“It’s not as bad as it used to be,” said Mya Aye, who devotes much of his time today campaigning for citizens’ rights, “but it’s really annoying. They act like we’re criminals, harassing us, our families. It’s disrespectful and intimidating. It shouldn’t be this way anymore.”

By admin

In a sign of growing proximity in military sphere, Myanmar on Monday sought naval arms assistance from India.The request came from Myanmar Navy’s Commander-in-Chief Vice Admiral Thura Thet Swe, who began a four-day visit to New Delhi by meeting with Navy Chief Admiral D K Joshi and Defence Secretary Radha Krishna Mathur.

Vice Admiral Swe also met Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh and Indian Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Arup Raha. Among others, Myanmar sought help in building offshore patrol vessels and supply of naval sensors and other military equipment to build a formidable navy.

Vice Admiral Swe discussed with Admiral Joshi various proposals for strengthening the navy-to-navy cooperation in operations, training and material support. He also proposed to take the existing relationship to another plane and promote capacity building and capability enhancement, an Indian Navy release said.

UN News Centre

 29 July 2013 – A United Nations independent expert today welcomed Myanmar’s latest release of prisoners of conscience, but raised concerns over ongoing arrests of activists in the country.

“The release of prisoners of conscience continues to be one of the most tangible outcomes of Myanmar’s reforms. However, I am very concerned about ongoing arrests and sentencing,” said the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana.

Last week, President Thein Sein granted amnesty to 73 prisoners of conscience, as part of a series of reforms initiated two years ago following the establishment of a new Government. Mr. Sein stated during a recent visit to Europe that all remaining prisoners of conscience would be freed by year’s end.

While commending the Government for its recent actions, Mr. Ojea Quintana said the Government should stop arresting citizens for their politics and expressions of dissent with current policies.

Bernama

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said Muslims “do not insult” other religions.

PUTRAJAYA: Action that touch Muslim sensitivities must stop or else it will create tension just like what is happening in other Muslim countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the action by certain quarters should not happen in a country that is enjoying the peace.

“This shows that there is no deep understanding within society.

“Muslims do not insult the religion of non-Muslims such as Christianity and Hinduism.

SM NETWORK: ARAKAN: Maungdaw, Arakan State: The authority from Arakan State used new tactic after dissolving the Burma border security force (Nasaka), but policemen and Para police (Hluntin) are arbitrary arresting and harassing the Rohingya people in Maungdaw south, said a local elder on condition of anonymity. Four Rohingya were arrested from Donkhali village by police and Hluntin personnel from Bodawpara police outpost, over the allegation that they were using Bangladeshi mobile phone on July 18, according to villagers.