Chin pastor in Yesagyo summoned to court

13 February 2014: Chin Christian pastor Rev. Zun Hlei Sum has been ordered to appear in court regarding matters related to construction of a church building in Yesagyo, Magwe Region.

He said that he received an official letter from the Yesagyo Township Court today and that he was charged with disobeying the order.

“It [letter] says that I am charged according to the Penal Code 188, and have to appear in court on 17 February 2014 to refute the charge,” said the Chin pastor.

The letter signed by U Aung Htay incidates that Sum can either be sent to jail for up to six months or be fined 200 Kyats if he is not able to prove that the charge is wrong.

He said that he will deny the charge as he does not violate any law and that he will make preparation in consultation with a lawyer.

Earlier last month, the Chin pastor received an official letter from a Yesagyo Township Administration Officer warning him to stop constructing the building.#