The closure of the Islamic schools and subsequent imprisonment of Muslims involved in their operation has been described as “clear religious discrimination, and blatant violation of freedom of religion” by one human rights advocate.

Burma’s perennially contentious relationship with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation moved no closer toward amicability this week as the two sides traded barbs over the situation in Rakhine State, where a mass exodus of Rohingya Muslims tied to allegations of ethnic cleansing has heaped global censure on the government.

Aye Thein argues that the NLD government is taking a sledgehammer approach to the issue of freedom of assembly in Burma.

Hundreds of demonstrators gather in Yangon to protest proposed amendments to already contentious legislation that critics say would further curb the ability of citizens to publically assemble, as Parliament’s Upper House begins debate on the changes.

Despite innocent pleas from the suspected killer of the prominent lawyer Ko Ni and three alleged co-conspirators, a court decided at a hearing on Friday to move forward with prosecuting the four men.

Robert San Aung told DVB that he had sent a letter to President Htin Kyaw, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and all concerned ministries and officials.