At least 25 more Myanmar citizens charged under new ‘Election Protection Law’

Regime media reported on Monday that at least 25 more citizens, including 22 Karen National Union (KNU) members in Thaton District – also known by the Karen as Doothahtoo District – in Mon State, have been charged under the new “Election Protection Law.” 

This brings the total number of cases of alleged “election disruption” brought before regime-controlled courts to 120. 

An unspecified number of People’s Defence Force (PDF) members in Sinphyukyun town of Magway Region, and operators of the “AAMIJ News” Facebook page, have also been charged under the law, which was enacted on July 29.

If convicted, the law carries a minimum sentence of three years in prison and a maximum sentence of death.

DVB has documented that 95 citizens have been charged under this law since its enactment in July, with 24 of them having been arrested as of Nov. 7 (see infographics below). 

Nay Thway, a resident of the Shan State capital Taunggyi, was sentenced to seven years in prison for allegedly criticizing the elections on Sept. 9.

Three film directors and two actors were arrested on Oct. 31 for allegedly criticizing an election campaign video created and shared to social media by the Union Election Commission (UEC) on Oct. 28 – the first day of campaigning for political parties.