Two Kyaukphyu Residents Remain Imprisoned Beyond Release Dates

Khaing Lu Hla (Roma Mray) — Two residents of Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State remain imprisoned despite completing their prison sentences and passing their scheduled release dates, according to local reports.

The individuals have been identified as U Maung Mae, 68, from Kyaukphyu’s Central Ward, and U Kyaw Hla Aung, from the Zedi Taung Ward.

The military arrested U Maung Mae and another resident, U Mya Win, 48, on November 24, 2023. The Sittwe Township Court subsequently convicted them under Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act and handed down the maximum sentence of three years.

U Maung Mae was scheduled for release today, May 29, 2026. However, authorities failed to release him, and he remains in custody, a source close to the family told Narinjara.

"The Kyaukphyu Township Court re-arrested him under Section 50(j) of the Counter-Terrorism Law and other unlawful charges, sending him back to Kyaukphyu Prison," the source said.

In a nearly identical case, U Kyaw Hla Aung was also kept in custody past his release date. Originally sentenced to three years under Section 17(1), he was scheduled to leave Kyaukphyu Prison on April 7, 2026.

Instead of being freed, the Kyaukphyu Police Station re-arrested him. The court subsequently sentenced him to an additional 10 years in prison under Section 50 of the Counter-Terrorism Law and two other charges.

"Re-prosecuting and imprisoning local residents who have already served their time is completely illegal," a local source stated.

"We are deeply concerned that other detainees whose Section 17(1) sentences are about to expire will face the exact same fate."

The source added that these arbitrary actions destroy ethnic unity, damage peace efforts, and eliminate any remaining public trust in the military regime led by Min Aung Hlaing.