The Burmese government says 10 ethnic Shan leaders arrested last month have been charged with conspiracy against the state.
Information Minister Brigadier General Kyaw San told reporters Tuesday that the accused were arrested in connection with a February gathering of Shan leaders. The government says the meeting constituted an illegal gathering that threatened national unity.
The accused include two top officials of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy party, Chairman Khun Htun Oo and General Secretary Sai Nyunt Lwin. The United States said last month it is deeply concerned over the arrests of the Shan leaders.
Their party is one of three legal political parties that boycotted the government's constitution-drafting convention. The boycotters say the proceedings are undemocratic.
Information for this report is provided by AFP and AP.