Myanmar believes two of its citizens have been wrongly accused in the double-murder of two Britons on Koh Tao in September.
A group appointd by the government to review the case said it believes migrant workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, are innocent of the brutal murders of David Miller and Hannah based on its review of the case.
“However the Thai judiciary decides on the case, it is our belief that these two kids did not commit the crime,” investigation spokesman Htoo Chit told The Irrawaddy Journal. “According to what we know and eyewitness information we have gathered, we believe they are innocent.”
They also cited procedural errors during the investigation and their concerns about the men’s lawyers being able to stage an adequate defense:
Aung Myo Thant, a Burmese lawyer who is part of the Burmese Embassy’s special support team for the defendants, told the press conference that the translator used during the police interrogation of the suspects falsely claimed to be a representative of the embassy, and told the suspects that they would be subject to a lighter penalty if they admitted their guilt.
“According to the Thai law, the translator used in Police station and court must hold a certificate recognized by the state,” he said. “But the translators used in Surat Thani and in Koh Samui had no accreditation.”
The investigating team said they had identified at least three key witnesses for the defense case in Rakhine State, Sagaing Division and Tenasserim Division, but they are unwilling to testify for fear it will jeopardize their future chances of working in Thailand.
The team was assisted by the Thai National Human Rights Commission and Lawyers Council of Thailand in locating witnesses.
Htoo Chit said he was “confident” the pair would be found innocent in a fair trial.
“We will win if this case is conducted with justice under the rule of law,” Htoo Chit said.
The two defendants pleaded innocent in court earlier this month and will next appear at a preliminary hearing on Dec. 26.
Photo: Irrawaddy
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