Junta Arrests Teenagers and Civilians for Allegedly “Disrupting” Sham Election

September 24, 2025

HURFOM: The military Junta has arrested at least nine people, including teenagers, accusing them of attempting to disrupt its planned election. The Junta’s election commission announced the arrests on the evening of September 22, targeting civilians in Karenni State and Yangon Region.

Among those detained are three young teenagers from Daw Noe Ku Ward, Loikaw, Karenni State: 14-year-old Htun Nay Oo Hlaing, 16-year-old Phyo Paing Zay Aung, and 17-year-old Aung Naing Lin. Two 18-year-olds, Paing Paing Soe and Han Htun Aung, were also charged under Section 23(a), which carries harsh prison sentences.

The junta accused the youths of making speeches in public places, organizing small campaigns, hanging posters, and sharing content on social media that criticized the upcoming election.

In Yangon Region’s Shwepyithar Township, four more civilians were arrested: 36-year-old Ye Thu Ya Aung, 25-year-old Kyaw Wanna, 45-year-old Chit Win, and 34-year-old Pyay Htun. They were charged under provisions carrying up to seven years in prison for allegedly protesting against and “disrupting” the election.

Additional arrests were reported in Aye Thar Yar Township, Taunggyi, and in Ward 6 (East), Hlaingtharyar Township, where at least three more men were detained under Section 23(a).

According to local sources, a total of 12 people who criticized the Junta’s sham election have been arbitrarily arrested so far. With these cases, the number of prosecutions filed under the Junta’s Election Security Law has reached six as of September 23.

These arrests highlight how the Junta is using the law as a weapon to silence dissent and intimidate anyone who dares to question the legitimacy of its staged election process.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News