Htet Myat Aung and seven activists sentenced to 37 years over anti-regime protests

[L to R] A masked protester later identified as Htet Myat Aung with prominent pro-democracy activists Nan Lin, Khant Wai Phyo and Tayzar San during an anti-regime protest at Zay Cho Market in Mandalay’s Chanmyathazi Township in December 2025. (Credit: Nan Lin)

A regime-controlled court in Mandalay has sentenced prominent student leader Htet Myat Aung and seven other pro-democracy activists to 37 years in prison following their involvement in anti-election demonstrations.

The Yadanabon University Students’ Union (YUSU) confirmed the heavy sentences in a statement on Tuesday. The tribunal handed down a 30-year sentence under the regime’s Election Protection Law alongside a seven-year sentence under the Counter-Terrorism Law.

Judicial crackdown on student organizers

The 24-year-old activist was violently arrested by regime security forces in Mandalay Region on Dec. 14 following a high-profile anti-regime protest: