YANGON: It is reported that the Mandalay Region Parliament has questioned the detention of women who were trafficked for up to six months to testify as witnesses.
On the third day (June 5) of the second regular session of the third Mandalay Region Hluttaw, U Nyi Nyi (B), U Kyaw San, Representative No. (2) for Aung Myay Thar San Township, asked, "Is there a plan to return trafficked women to their parents' homes since they have been detained for a long time at the temporary shelter in Phontaw Toe Township, Aung Myay Thar San Township?"
Regarding the question, Minister of Security and Border Affairs, Colonel Nay Lin Soe, said, "In cases where the perpetrators of human trafficking are arrested, the prosecution is being carried out within a month of the arrest period, and the trafficked women are being provided with a temporary shelter programme to return them to their parents and relatives after they have testified in court.
"However, in cases where the perpetrator is not arrested, witnesses who are known to be fugitives can be examined in court and the trafficked women can be examined and sent back to their places of residence.
"If the fugitives are recaptured, witnesses who are unable to come to court when they are trafficked can present their previous statements to the court.
"After testifying, the trafficked women are being returned to their parents and relatives through the temporary shelter programme.
"In the case of the three trafficked women in question, it took more than six months to file a lawsuit. We will take strict measures to ensure there are no delays in investigating further cases," he replied.
"Three female victims of human trafficking have been in the shelter since the end of 2025 for about six months.
"They want to return to their parents' homes after they have been there for a long time. However, since the accused has not been found, they have been staying there for a long time while there is still work to be done on the case.
"Therefore, we had to ask about the long-term detention of female victims of human trafficking who have not been found.
"The relevant ministry and police officials immediately took action on this matter.
"Although the two detained women were not found guilty on the May 29, they were charged and testified in the relevant court and were sent back to their parents' homes through the shelter on the 1st. The other one will be sent back to her parents' homes after the court testifies on the 9th," said U Kyaw San, who asked the question. - Eleven Media/ANN
