A 25-year-old man named Maung Aung Aung, residing in Nyinaung Phyar village in Bogale Township, Ayeyarwady Region, was forcibly recruited for military service following a dispute with village administrator Myo Min Aung, and subsequently died from torture while in military custody. The incident began on July 10 when administrator Myo Min Aung directly contacted Infantry Battalion 534 in Mawlamyinekyun Township to have Maung Aung Aung arrested for military service. Following this report, soldiers from the battalion arrested and took Maung Aung Aung away.
Family members of Maung Aung Aung traveled to Infantry Battalion 534 in Mawlamyinekyun Township to negotiate for his release. The battalion officer demanded 12 million kyats (approximately USD 5,700) for his release. The family quickly sold their farmland to raise the money and delivered it to the battalion on July 11. However, instead of releasing him, the battalion officer directed the family to collect Maung Aung Aung’s body from the morgue at Mawlamyinekyun Township Hospital.
Maung Aung Aung’s body showed extensive signs of torture, including head trauma, facial injuries, broken teeth, and numerous wounds across his entire body. Infantry Battalion 534 had killed him through beatings within one day of his arrest. To date, no legal action has been taken against those responsible for Maung Aung Aung’s death, including village administrator Myo Min Aung who initiated the arrest and the officers from Infantry Battalion 534 who carried out the torture and killing.
