Social development
Human rights
'Bangkok 14’ temporarily released
The 14 students who rallied against last year’s coup were released temporarily from prison in Bangkok Wednesday morning and vowed to continue their protest. The temporary release followed the military request to extend their detention pending investigation of their defiance of the government’s ban on political gatherings. ...
Crowds ‘say no’ to LANGO
More than 300 civil society representatives, diplomats and opposition members have attended a consultation to voice concerns over the controversial draft NGO law, a parliamentary vote on which was reportedly delayed until next week. The national consultation, organised by the Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC) and ...
Over 100 muslims linked to Arakan violence released
Local prison authorities in Arakan State’s Buthidaung Township say more than 100 “Bengalis” were released this week after serving the duration of their sentences in connection with violence between Buddhists and Muslims that wracked the state in 2012. Prison staffer Win Kyaw confirmed the release of ...
Myanmar bill limits women's right to wed non-Buddhists
Myanmar’s parliament has approved a law that would regulate marriages between Buddhist women and men from outside their religion. The move by legislators was condemned by activists and human rights groups, who said the law was passed under pressure from hardline Buddhist monks. The bill is one ...
Bail set at $10k for 11 Letpadan activists
Bail has been granted to 11 activists detained after a brutal crackdown on student demonstrations earlier this year, family members said, while five other requests were denied by a court in central Burma. A hearing culminated with the decision to release 10 students and one supporter ...
In meeting with election body, NLD complains of voter verification ‘obstruction’
The National League for Democracy, Burma’s main opposition party, complained of obstruction from some sub-commissions as NLD cadres have sought to ensure an accurate roster of eligible voters ahead of the general election. Representatives from the NLD said Union Election Commission officials pledged to address the party’s ...
Lao authorities charge woman with ‘slander’ for alleged extortion photos
Authorities in Laos have formally charged a young woman who has been detained since May after a photo she took was posted on Facebook, allegedly showing police officers extorting money from her brother during a stop for a traffic violation, according to an official source. Phout ...
Chinese dam builder in Myanmar cuts food aid to protest-backing families
China Power Investment Corporation (CPI), builder of the controversial Myitsone Dam in Myanmar’s Kachin State, has cut off food assistance to at least two families—among hundreds displaced by the project—after they backed protests against the dam. The two families were from Aungmyinthar village, one of two ...
