Over 170 groups demand effective action as justice remains elusive over 6 months after rape case at Yaynmarbin PDF Battalion (20)

Photo: Female members of MDY-PDF seen in December 2023 (AFP) July 2 Mizzima. It has been revealed that justice has not yet been served for over six months in the case of sexual assault against a female comrade within the People's Defence Force (PDF) Battalion (20) in the Yaynmarbin district of Sagaing Region. A total of 172 civil society organizations and revolutionary forces jointly issued a statement today (July 2) demanding effective action on the matter. The statement indicated that on December 26, 2025, a female comrade serving in Battalion (20) of Yaynmarbin district faced sexual assault and human rights violations. Regarding the incident, the National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Defence announced on March 11 that it was arresting and investigating suspects, including the battalion commander. However, the statement pointed out that there have been no follow-up announcements regarding the suspects, and no effective actions have been taken. On March 13, the NUG Military Affairs Department and the People's Defence Force General Headquarters Investigation Tribunal summoned the victim to appear in person within a week. However, it was learned that the summons was not delivered directly but through the victim's father and a responsible person from the Indaw Military Command, who was a close acquaintance. The statement mentioned that the victimized comrade had experienced psychological distress due to being beaten by soldiers, including the battalion commander, in the early stages of the case. Due to her physical and mental health and security conditions, she could not appear in person and informed them that she wished to be interrogated online via Zoom. However, the person who sent the summons stated that they had no obligation to reply to the tribunal and did not accept her request. Furthermore, it was learned from the statement that the investigation tribunal had not contacted the victim at all until June 20 of this year, 2026, and it was only through the sequential mediation of revolutionary comrades that a channel for direct contact with the investigation tribunal was re-established. CSOs also expressed their astonishment and sorrow that the NUG's statements completely failed to address the issue of "discrimination based on race and religion," which the public and organizations have earnestly demanded. Of the initial three demands, only the demand for the relocation of the victimized woman and her family to a safe place was collectively resolved by women's groups and revolutionary forces, and it was pointed out that the government has not yet taken responsibility for resolving the incident. Therefore, the organizations have further demanded the prompt investigation and action against all those involved in the rape case, or the formation of an independent investigation commission, and the swift establishment of justice for women and children who have been victims during the revolutionary period, along with the practical implementation of policies to prevent violence and non-discrimination. Editor: Aung Kyaw Phyo