Myanmar Military Executes Humanitarian Ko Than Htun, Leaves Family Without Body

May 10, 2022.

Myanmar military captured and executed humanitarian worker Ko Than Htun from Tanpawkaung Village in Pakokku Township, Magway Region, on accusations of assisting the People’s Defense Force (PDF). Local residents reported to Yangon Modern Media that the military did not return his body to his family. Ko Than Htun was reportedly arrested while leaving his home to take a boat to the village school, where he encountered military forces and was accused of aiding the PDF. He was taken to the nearby police station, where he was tortured and killed.

One local resident recounted, “On the day Ko Than Htun was arrested, about 30 soldiers arrived in Tanpawkaung Village. He was on his way to the village school when he was captured. The military had been tipped off that Ko Than Htun was helping the PDF, leading them to beat him and take him to the police station. His family went immediately to the station, but the soldiers guarding the area would not let them in. The next day, another villager who had been arrested was released and informed us that Ko Than Htun had died from torture in custody.” It is reported that Ko Than Htun leaves behind two young children and a pregnant wife, with four months remaining in her pregnancy. He was known in the village for his humanitarian efforts.