Myanmar's Human Rights Activist Min Htin Denied Bail Once Again

Famed filmmaker and human rights activist of Myanmar Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi was denied bail and sent to Insein Prison this morning. He is being sued by a military officer for insulting and defaming the Army.

Robert San Aung, his legal counsel said Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi had requested bail on medical grounds. Three months ago, he had had part of his liver removed to treat liver cancer. However, the judge rejected the bail plea.

Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi is the founder of the Human Rights, Human Dignity International Film Festival. He is also a strong critic of the Myanmar military and has posted a series of Facebook posts criticizing the undemocratic military-drafted 2008 Constitution and the political role that it grants the Army.

The defamation case was filed by Lieutenant-Colonel Lin Htun of Yangon Region Command at March-end under Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law. The officer opened a second case against the activist under non-bailable Article 505(a) of the Myanmar Penal Code.

The legal counsel said his client's health condition is worrisome.