In a related development, a court in Yangon region's Taikkyi township on Friday refused bail to ex-army captain-turned-activist Nay Myo Zin who has also been charged under Article 505(a), during his first court appearance, the former officer said. The Myanmar Army filed a criminal defamation lawsuit against Nay Myo Zin for comments he made about amending the country's 2008 constitution during a rally in Ayeyawaddy region's Ahpyauk township on April 1. The military filed its complaint two days later. "This is the case against a former soldier by the Tatmadaw [Myanmar military], and I have to face it before the court" Nay Myo Zin said. "I'd like to urge them to act with soldier's honor. Soldiers need to maintain honor. A soldier with honor is a pleasure, despite being handcuffed. I earned handcuffs while serving the people." Lieutenant Colonel Toe Lin of the military's Yangon Regional Command filed the case against Nay Myo Zin following his speech on the controversial constitution drafted by a former military junta that ruled the country. Myanmar's parliament set up a joint constitutional reform committee this year to determine which parts of the current charter should be amended to remove elements considered undemocratic. The armed forces, whose political power is enshrined in the document, oppose any changes that would diminish their influence. Prominent Myanmar legal activist and human rights lawyer Robert San Aung, who is defending Nay Myo Zin, said township authorities should be the ones to file the case instead of the military. "The local township police chief or administrative officers are the ones who should file a case since they [the demonstrators] had applied for permission [to hold the rally]," in accordance with Myanmar's Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law, he said. "Instead, the Tatmataw is suing now." "Dropping the case instead of filing a complaint would help the Tatmadaw's image and pride as well as the confidence of the people" he added. Taikkyi Township Court officials and Colonel Min Thet Oo of the Yangon Regional Command were unavailable for comment. Nay Myo Zin has been a staunch activist who has stood up for farmers and others who have faced injustices, and has been active in a social group that helps rural villagers in remote areas. He was arrested several times previously and imprisoned three times since 2013 for participating in various protests. He was released twice under presidential pardons. Nay Myo Zain's next hearing is scheduled for April 30.