Myanmar junta arrests state-controlled MRTV employee over Aung San Suu Kyi birthday tribute

Mizzima

A Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) employee has been arrested by the military junta for participating in a “flower strike” to commemorate detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s 80th birthday, sparking fierce criticism on social media.

Hnin Yin Phyu, also known as Hnaung Hnaung, was detained on June 21 at around 8 pm from MRTV staff housing in Naypyidaw’s Tatkon Township. The arrest came two days after she participated in the flower strike marking Suu Kyi’s birthday on June 19.

According to MRTV staff sources and official announcements, Hnin Yin Phyu had posted birthday wishes for the detained Nobel laureate on social media, writing, “Happy Birthday Amay (Mother) Suu, may you live long and healthy.” She also shared photos of flowers as part of the flower strike.

The arrest has triggered a wave of condemnation from Myanmar social media users, who criticized the junta’s heavy-handed response to what they viewed as a peaceful gesture.