Myanmar begins releasing Rakhine returnees from Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Myanmar’s military authorities have begun releasing ethnic Rakhine nationals repatriated from Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur sought clarification over their reported detention.
KUALA LUMPUR: Myanmar's military has commenced releasing ethnic Rakhine nationals who were repatriated from Malaysia, following concerns raised by Kuala Lumpur over the detainees' conditions. The repatriation of nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals from Malaysia in late September prompted the release of detainees with identification papers.
My younger brother was only set free yesterday, a Khamee Youth Unity Association member told The Irrawaddy, emphasizing that his brother was among the released after submitting necessary documentation. Over 400 ethnic Rakhine were among those repatriated, held in military detention facilities in Yangon's Thanlyin and Hlaingthayar townships.
On Oct 26, Myanmar's Foreign Minister stated that Malaysia would seek clarification over allegations that around 300 returnees remained in detention, with the investigation to be conducted by Malaysia's chargé d'affaires. The repatriation program aims to return 5,000 Myanmar nationals in stages, but the UN and rights groups have warned that conditions do not ensure safe returns.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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