Why were student protesters charged under the Natural Disaster Management Law?

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Student Protesters Charged Under Natural Disaster Law Due to Protest Actions

Three student protesters in Myanmar's Rakhine state were charged under sections 25 and 26 of the Natural Disaster Management Law following their demonstration. These legal provisions criminalise causing a disaster through wilful or negligent acts, carrying maximum prison sentences of three and two years respectively. The students were protesting to advocate for the restoration of internet access and to condemn what they termed "murderous fascism."
Protest Demands and Context

The demonstration took place in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state, where internet access has been significantly restricted by authorities for security reasons. The students, aged in their early twenties, held placards expressing their opposition to the government's actions. This protest occurred against a backdrop of escalating conflict in Rakhine state, which has seen prolonged fighting between government forces and ethnic insurgents from the Arakan Army. The region has also been grappling with a significant number of internally displaced persons and fatalities.
Legal Basis for Charges

The charges were specifically laid under sections 25 and 26 of the Natural Disaster Management Law. Section 25 pertains to wilful acts that cause a disaster, carrying a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment. Section 26 addresses negligent acts that lead to a disaster, with a maximum sentence of two years. The lawyer representing the students confirmed these charges, indicating the legal framework used by authorities to address the protest.
Broader Regional Issues

The situation in Rakhine state is further complicated by an ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Authorities have been contending with the pandemic alongside the internal conflict and displacement. The arrested students were reportedly part of a larger group that had recently visited camps housing minority Rohingya. The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group, face severe restrictions on their freedoms and movement within Rakhine state, a region historically marked by inter-communal tensions.

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Why were student protesters charged under the Natural Disaster Management Law?

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