by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, Rakhine State | June 25, 2026
A Rohingya man who recently returned to his home in Maungdaw Township has reportedly been sentenced to three years in prison after being arrested by the Arakan Army (AA), according to local residents.
The man, identified as U Shwo Lu, returned with his family to Latha Aung Village after spending time in Bangladesh. Like many other Rohingya families, they had fled across the border during the fighting between the AA and the Myanmar military in 2024.
Residents said the family had been back in the village for more than a month before U Shwo Lu was detained by the AA.
According to local sources, he was later convicted on charges of illegally crossing the border and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.
Residents also said some Rohingya families have been attempting to return to their homes despite ongoing restrictions and insecurity in northern Rakhine State.
Local sources further claimed that people previously convicted of illegal border crossing generally received shorter prison terms, while some Rohingya returnees are now reportedly being sentenced to between three and five years.
The case has raised concerns among local residents, who say Rohingya families returning to their villages continue to face legal and security challenges while attempting to rebuild their lives.
No statement from the AA regarding the case was immediately available.
