The parents and elder brother of slain Facebook comedian Aung Yell Htwe were questioned as plaintiff witnesses at Yangon East District Court on Tuesday.
They were questioned by lawyers on both sides. In the testimonies, they recounted experiences on the day the murder case happened. The next trail is to take place on October 30 and three witnesses including Aung Yell Htwe's girlfriend.
Internet comedian Aung Yell Htwe was fatally beaten by a group of men while he was attending a New Year’s Eve party at The ONE Entertainment Park in Thingangyun Township, Yangon. He died in hospital from head injuries on January 2.
The three suspects: Than Htut Aung (a.k.a Thar Gyi), Pyae Phyo Aung (a.k.a Aung Lay) and Kyaw Zaw Han (a.k.a Kyaw Zaw) were arrested, according to a statement released by Yangon Region Police Force.
Thuwunna Police Station opened a case against them under Section 302 of the Penal Code of Myanmar at Yangon East District Court.
The plaintiff withdrew from the case and the three suspects were released with the reason that there was no firm evidence.
However, the case was dropped after judicial authorities allegedly received bribes.
The release of those involved in the fatal beating of Facebook comedian Aung Yell Htwe spread on social networks, causing public outcry at the decision of the attorney-general and law officers.
Concerning the murder case of Aung Yell Htwe, President Win Myint gave remarks in his meeting with the governmental officials of Yangon and Bago Yangons that the withdrawal of Aung Yell Htwe murder case is totally unacceptable.
The Anti-Corruption Commission announced that former Yangon Region Attorney General Han Htoo received a bribe of Ks15 million, a bottle of Blue Label Scotch Whisky and a shirt; District law officer Ko Ko Lay Ks13 million and a bottle of Gold Label; District Deputy Law Officer Thit Thit Khin Ks3 million and a Batik; Deputy District Judge Aung Kyi Ks30 million, Police Lieutenant Chit Ko Ko Ks3 million; and Yangon Region Law Officer Ks5 million. They have been arrested facing lawsuits now.
Yangon Region High Court ruled on September 24 that the case would be retried.
