Innocent Rohingya prisoners in Buthidaung moved to Maungdaw to hide them during Quintana’s visit

RB News
August 12, 2013

Buthidaung, Arakan – Reportedly, more than 60 innocent Rohingya prisoners detained in Buthidaung prison were moved to Maungdaw police station lockup. Authorities made the move to hide them during UN Special Rapporteur Mr Tomas Quintana.

Yesterday, Mr Quintana arrived in Myanmar on a 10 day mission trip. He will be visiting Sittwe, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, among other towns during his tour.

After the violence broke out in June of last year, many innocent Rohingyas were detained without any charge in Maungdaw. The prisoners were being tortured in many forms. The detailed report of Buthidaung prison can be read here: http://bit.ly/XxWzhi)

Mr Quintana arrived to Sittwe this morning and left for Buthidaung, according to the locals from Sittwe. 

As Mr Quintana is going to visit the Buthidaung prison for the investigation, the authorities needed to hide the Rohingya prisoners held without charge. Reportedly more than 60 prisoners had been moved to Maungdaw police station lockup on Saturday (i.e. August 10, 2013). 

“Since last year many innocents were being detained. Many prisoners imprisoned in the Buthidaung prison without any charge. As UN envoy is visiting, more than 60 prisoners are moved to Maungdaw police station lockup.” a Rohingya told RB News. 

It has been reported that Mr Quintana was not able to visit Maungdaw because of the protests held by Rakhines. During his tour to Buthidaung, there are reports of Rakhines disturbing him. In one instance, a Rakhine person threw a leaflet into Quintana's car.