MHNRC supports widow in murder case against army officer

A court in Moulmein, the capital of Mon State, jailed a Myanmar Army officer for ten years for killing a civilian, The Irrawaddy reported.

Captain Aung Ko Min was present in the court to hear the verdict against him for killing U Tin Soe Myint, according to Daw Khin Swe Thint, 36, the victim's widow.

The couple lived mostly in Kalegauk Island, Ye Township, but sometimes in Thanbyuzayat Township.

On May 16, U Tin Soe Myint was stopped by Army personnel on Kalegauk Island while traveling between the two townships and asked for his ID card but he had left it at home.

Captain Aung Ko Min arrested U Tin Soe Myint and later tortured and killed him.

Daw Khin Swe Thint said her husband did not know the captain and did not have any personal problems with him.

Capt. Aung Ko Min of Light Infantry Battalion 587 based in Ye Township was initially detained by the Army last year.

Daw Khin Swe Thint, a mother of three, fought hard to bring him to justice, eventually seeking help from the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC).

The Army transferred the captain's case to the civilian court in December 2018 after the MNHRC intervened. He made his first appearance in the court in Moulmein that month, giving the victim's family an opportunity to seek justice.

MNHRC Commissioner U Yu Lwin Aung told The Irrawaddy that he welcomed the court decision and thanked the Army for its cooperation.

Date: 21 May 2019

Source: The Irrawaddy