Thinzar Than Min was sentenced to nine months in prison on December 4 morning by the Pakokku Township court for writing on social media that the military is exerting pressure to vote Union Solidarity and Development Party(USDP) in the election.
Before the verdict was read, Pakkoku Township judge read the charges from the both sides and said her live streaming on facebook and posts violated the regional order issued by the military.
Then, she was sentenced to 9 months with hard labour for violating Section 505 (a) which prohibited the publication or circulation of any statement, rumour or report that would cause any member of the military to fail in their duty.
“She was charged with Section 505 (a) of Penal Code. The punishment is 9 months to 2 years. As she is a female and apologized for her wrongdoings, she was sentenced to 9 months. As a judge, I don’t want to say we get justice for her. But, I did my best for her. The weakens from our side is we couldn’t submit witness,” said Cho Cho Mar, lawyer of Thinzar Than Min.
She was the 25 years old daughter of a military officer stationed in Pakokku. Charges were first laid against her by Lt-Col Aung Khaing Win of Infantry Regiment (101) who claimed that her remarks were defamatory of the military.
Locals were present on her hearing and gave support to her. Later, her mother thanked those present for encouraging her and family during the difficult time.
