Myanmar: Türk warns against violence and intimidation ahead of military-controlled vote

GENEVA – Myanmar is witnessing intensified violence, repression and intimidation ahead of military-controlled elections on 28 December, with civilians being threatened by both the military authorities and armed groups opposing the military regarding their participation in the polls, the UN Human Rights Office said on Tuesday.

“The military authorities in Myanmar must stop using brutal violence to compel people to vote, and stop arresting people for expressing any dissenting views,” UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said.

Dozens of individuals have reportedly been detained under an “election protection law” for the exercise of their freedom of expression. Some have received extremely harsh sentences, including three youths in Hlaingthaya Township, Yangon Region, who were sentenced to between 42 and 49 years’ jail for hanging up anti-election posters.