Oct 31, 2007 (DVB), Two former schoolteachers who were arrested for challenging a pro-government rally as it passed their house have been told they do not have to appear in court.

The couple, from Paung Tal township in Bago, were arrested on 16 October after they displayed a poster denouncing the government's crackdown on monks and civilians.

They were due to appear in court yesterday to answer charges of inciting a riot and causing public alarm.

When they got to the township court they were told their hearing had been cancelled and they would no longer have to attend.

It is not clear if the police have dropped all charges against them or if they will be called upon to attend at a later date.

Reporting by Maung Too