The leader of the Solidarity of Trade Union Myanmar (STUM), Daw Myo Myo Aye, and 10 other members who were unlawfully arrested by the military council are now facing additional charges as business owners have filed complaints under Sections 40 and 41 of the Association Registration Law. The arrests took place on July 25, 27, and 28, with police stations in Shwepyithar, North Okkalapa, and Insein acting as plaintiffs to press charges under Section 5(1)(f)(g) of the 1961 Restriction of Habitual Offenders Act.
On August 14, STUM members John Tu Maung and Herman Oo were brought before the Insein and North Okkalapa Township Courts, where their bail applications were rejected following objections from the law officer. The judge dismissed their applications under Section 497(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code. Additionally, Zaw Thiha Naing, a business owner from Wanxinda Travel Goods Company Limited in Wartaya, has filed another case at the Shwepyithar Township Police Station under Sections 40 and 41 of the Association Registration Law.
The court is scheduled to hear the cases of Daw Myo Myo Aye, Thin Htet San, Su Myat Nwe, Myint Myint Khaing, Thiha, Zaw Htike, Kyaw Thet Naing, and Zaw San Naing at the Shwepyithar Township Court on August 20. Labor rights activists have pointed out that these consecutive legal actions against labor rights defenders could have a detrimental effect on workers’ rights. The Solidarity of Trade Union Myanmar has called for the immediate release of their detained members and has pledged to continue advocating for workers’ rights.
