Group urges release of health worker allegedly abducted by AA

By Hnin Nwe 25 May 2020

Hnin Nwe | DMG
25 May, Rathedaung

The University of Community Health Alumni Association on May 24 called for the immediate release of a village healthcare worker allegedly detained by the Arakan Army (AA) in Rathedaung Township earlier this month.

Ko Soe Win Thu, 29, who worked at the Konedan village healthcare center, was abducted by the AA ethnic armed group on May 16, according to a health staffer who asked not to be identified.

A couple who provided security at the clinic, their daughter and Ko Soe Win Thu were taken from their homes on the morning of May 16, the anonymous health worker said. The daughter was released later that same day and her parents were released on May 21.

But 10 days after the abductions took place, the UCHAA believes Ko Soe Win Thu remains in AA custody. The association released a statement expressing concern for the missing man and demanding his release.

Regrettably, under the current circumstances DMG is opting not to reach out to the Arakan Army regarding the missing healthcare worker, because the government has recently begun taking legal action against journalists who use the AA as a source in their reporting.