Jailed student activist and author Wai Moe Naing has been sentenced to another 20 years in prison, the Monywa People’s Strike Steering Committee told RFA Monday.
He received the maximum sentence for treason and rebellion under Section 122 of the Penal Code.
Friday’s decision by the court in Monywa Prison in northern Sagaing region takes his total sentence to 54 years.
The 28-year-old has already been found guilty of crimes including robbery; rioting; carrying a weapon; incitement to mutiny; and unlawful assembly.
The junta has also accused him of killing two policemen in an industrial zone under Section 302 of the Penal Code and plans to hand down a verdict on the case at a later date.
A friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said Wai Moe Naing has denied all the charges made against him.
Monywa People’s Strike Steering Committee protested his innocence, condemning what it called unjust accusations and orders against political prisoners.
Wai Moe Naing founded Monywa University Student Union and served as its first president. He is also an author of short stories, magazine articles and blogs.
After the military coup in February 2021, he led anti-regime strikes in Monywa.
On April 15, 2021, he was riding in a column of motorcycles with other protesting students when junta troops and police ran him down in cars, beat him and arrested him.
He has been held in Monywa prison since his arrest.
Sources close to Wai Moe Naing, who didn’t want to be named for safety reasons, said he was healthy and has been allowed to receive parcels.
Myanmar's military has arrested more than 22,500 democracy activists according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Of those, over 18,200 are still being detained.
Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn.