Morning Domestic News (28/11/2024) by Radio NUG
1. ICC Prosecutor Requests Arrest Warrant for Military Leader; NUG Acting President Welcomes the Move
On November 27, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim A. A. Khan, formally submitted a request for an arrest warrant against Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military junta, for crimes committed against the Rohingya population. The ICC announced this development through an official statement.
In response, the Acting President of Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG), Duwa Lashi La, expressed his support and satisfaction via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:
"We welcome the submission of the request to issue an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing. This marks a significant acknowledgment of the grave crimes and atrocities committed against the Rohingya people and all Myanmar citizens who have suffered under his regime. This move affirms his accountability for these inhumane acts. Justice is now catching up with him."
The ICC began its investigation into alleged atrocities against the Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine State in November 2019. The crimes were said to have occurred between 2016 and 2017. After completing the investigation, the ICC Prosecutor’s Office concluded that there was strong evidence to believe Min Aung Hlaing committed crimes against humanity.
The crimes reportedly took place between August 25 and December 31, 2017, and involved military, border police forces, and civilian collaborators. Supporting evidence for the case includes video footage, photographs, eyewitness testimonies, and extensive documentation.
The ICC judges will review the submission to determine whether it meets the necessary standards to issue the arrest warrant. If the warrant is granted, the ICC plans to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure the perpetrator is apprehended.
2. NUG Foreign Minister Calls for Unity Among Resistance Forces
In the wake of the ICC Prosecutor's request for an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing, Daw Zin Mar Aung, the NUG's Foreign Minister, urged all resistance forces to remain united in their struggle.
She commented on social media platform X on November 27, stating:
"This request by the ICC to issue an arrest warrant represents a historic and pivotal moment in Myanmar's timeline. It holds Min Aung Hlaing accountable for the innocent lives he has taken and the families he has destroyed. Justice is beginning to take shape."
She added:
"We must collectively remain steadfast in our unity. Though the road of the Spring Revolution has been challenging, this moment is a testament to the progress we’ve achieved as a people. Let’s continue to work together to transform our struggles into strength."
Currently, the NUG, under the Federal Charter, is collaborating with ethnic resistance organizations on both military and political fronts to achieve shared goals.
3. Federal Democracy Construction Remains the Ultimate Goal, Says Minister of Home Affairs
At a recent webinar held on November 26, U Lwin Ko Latt, NUG’s Minister of Home Affairs, discussed the ongoing Spring Revolution, military offensives, and the coordination of grassroots movements. He emphasized that the primary objective remains the establishment of a federal democracy following the collapse of the military council.
"Our ultimate victory is not just the dismantling of the military council but the construction of a federal democracy. Even as we conduct governance activities, we must stay true to this goal," he stated.
He further noted that the NUG currently collects limited tax revenue but relies significantly on punitive fines. "We continue to advocate for administrative officials to ensure that grassroots support and political backing remain strong," he added.
4. Campaign Against Sexual Violence Kicks Off in Karen State
A 16-day campaign to eliminate sexual violence against women and children was launched on November 25 in Hpa-An District, led by the Karen Women Organization (KWO). The opening ceremony was held at Kaw Mu De High School in Thandaunggyi Township, with approximately 260 participants.
The campaign aims to raise awareness and foster safe communities free from sexual violence. Activities planned during the campaign include educational sessions in schools, community dialogues, and discussions with village leaders and teachers. It will run from November 25 to December 10 across various villages.
5. Shan State Flooding Worsened by Gold Mining Activities, Thai Government Reports
According to a study by Thailand's Department of Natural Resources in October 2024, severe land subsidence and riverbank erosion in areas along the Mae Sai River in Shan State are primarily caused by large-scale gold mining activities.
The Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) highlighted that the contamination of the Mae Sai, Nam Khut, and Nam Lin rivers with arsenic, nickel, and zinc is directly linked to mining operations in eastern Mong Sat.
The report added that the levels of zinc detected in the rivers were 18 times higher than safe thresholds. It also pointed out that mining sites have transformed sections of nearby mountains into toxic ponds containing cyanide and other hazardous chemicals.
6. Political Prisoner Beaten by Intoxicated Prison Guard in Hinthada Jail
On November 11, at approximately 8:00 PM, a political prisoner at Hinthada Prison in Ayeyarwady Region was reportedly assaulted by an intoxicated prison officer, Aung Kyaw Myint.
The victim, Ko Shine Htet Zaw, was arrested under Sections 50(j) and 51(a) for opposing military rule and is currently detained in Ward 4 of the prison. According to reports from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), the prison officer frequently harasses and assaults political detainees under the influence of alcohol.
The AAPP called on the public, resistance forces, and human rights organizations to intervene and ensure accountability for such abuses.
7. 25 Arrests Linked to Spring Revolution Activities in November
Between November 1 and 27, the junta reportedly arrested 25 individuals—2 women and 23 men—for their alleged involvement in Spring Revolution activities, according to data compiled by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
The majority of arrests occurred in Bago Region (8 individuals), followed by Mon State and Sagaing Region with 5 arrests each.
The crackdown continues to target those perceived as threats to the military regime.
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