By Bala / MPA
According to U Joseph, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice of the National Unity Government (NUG), it is currently not feasible to do across borders apprehending the suspect involved in the Mae Sot child sexual assault case.
The incident occurred in Mae Sot, Thailand, in April 2023, when a 5-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by U Aung Min, an executive member of the NLD party of Twantay Township. The girl’s mother filed a complaint to the NUG, leading to a case being opened on 13 September 2024 by the Ministry of Women, Youth, and Children Affairs at the NUG’s People Police Force (Southern Division), Kalay Township under (U) 15/2023, Section 377.
“In all honesty, we acknowledge that there were procedural shortcomings on our part. However, we have now reached the stage where the court has accepted the case for trial. In such cases, we can proceed with filing a case, and once those involved are within our jurisdiction, we will continue with the judicial processes,” said U Lwin Ko Lat, Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration.
At present, U Aung Min, the suspect, is undergoing an arrest warrant confirmation process, but cross-border apprehension is not possible immediately, according to U Joseph, Deputy Minister of Justice.
“For now, it is not possible for us to apprehend him across borders. However, if he enters any NUG-controlled areas in Myanmar, we will arrest him immediately,” he added.
Ongoing investigations are being conducted to ensure continuity in the case, and U Aung Min has been issued a summons. This was confirmed today (11 September) by Daw Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe, Minister of Women, Youth, and Children’s Affairs, during a press briefing on “Interim Legal Governance Efforts” held by the NUG.
