A Burmese army major who brought a case against the father of a girl who was allegedly killed by the army – accusing him of false accusation – has appeared in court after being absent from many hearings.
By KO HTWE | 14 January 2015
A Burmese army major who brought a case against the father of a girl who was allegedly killed by the army – accusing him of false accusation – has appeared in court after being absent from many hearings.
Brang Shawng, a villager from Hpakant in Kachin State, filed a report to the government and Myanmar National Human Rights Commission regarding the death of his 14-year-old daughter Ja Seng Ing. He says that she was fatally shot by the Burmese army while on her way home from the school, amid clashes in the area in September 2012. Maj. Zarni Min Pike subsequently filed a lawsuit against him.
The trial began in 2013 but stalled as the plaintiff was repeatedly absent from proceedings. The hearing was re-adjourned around 50 times. Zarni Min Pike finally made an appearance at Hpakant court on Monday.
Brang Shawn told DVB on Tuesday that his lawyer “had continued cross examination on the outstanding issues.”
Prosecution witnesses and Brang Shawng also gave evidence in court on Tuesday.
Various international human rights groups have called on the Burmese government to drop all charges against Brang Shawng.