Former Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu was sentenced to two years’ hard labour in prison for incitement under Section 505 b of the Penal Code on 8 October.

The verdict was made during the trial online at the Sittwe Township court, said his lawyer U Myo Myat Hein to Mizzima.

“The punishment is two year’s hard labour in prison. His response will be asked in person when I meet him in the upcoming trial of next week for corruption charges,” said the lawyer, “It remains unknown whether he will be able to lodge an appeal”.

Former Minister U Nyi Pu is also facing three corruption charges under Section 55 at the Rakhine State High Court. The trial for these chargers is scheduled to be held on 13 October.

Two years’ hard labour in prison is the highest punishment for this charge, and the maximum sentence for corruption charges is up to 15 years imprisonment.

In addition to the former chief minister, Minister for Planning and Economy of Rakhine State government U Kyaw Thein, Minister for Electricity U Aung Kyaw Zan and Minister for Forest and Mines U Kyaw Lwin are under arrest facing Section 55 corruption charges.

The former chief minister was detained at a military base in Sittwe Township, and he was sent to the main prison there.