{"id":8255,"date":"2025-11-01T22:31:05","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T16:01:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moemaka.net\/eng\/?p=8255"},"modified":"2025-11-01T22:35:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T16:05:37","slug":"the-juntas-intolerant-election","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moemaka.net\/eng\/2025\/11\/the-juntas-intolerant-election\/","title":{"rendered":"The Junta\u2019s Intolerant Election"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Myanmar Spring Chronicle \u2013 October 31 Overview<\/strong>
(MoeMaKa, November 1, 2025)<\/em><\/p>\n

The Junta\u2019s Intolerant Election<\/strong><\/p>\n

The recent arrests of six well-known film directors and actors within just a few days have shocked the public. The junta detained acclaimed director Mite Tee<\/strong>, actors Kyaw Win Htut<\/strong>, and comedian Ohn Dine (a.k.a. Zaw Myint)<\/strong> on October 29<\/strong>, citing violations of the Election Security Law<\/strong>. Two days later, more arrests followed \u2014 film directors Thet Lwin (a.k.a. Zambu Thet Htun Lwin)<\/strong> and Aung Chan Luu (a.k.a. Aye Chan Aung)<\/strong> were also taken into custody.<\/p>\n

These arrests came shortly after the release of a propaganda short film<\/strong> promoting the junta\u2019s election and criticizing the Spring Revolution<\/strong>. The film, launched as part of the junta\u2019s state-run propaganda campaign, provoked a strong backlash on social media. Entitled \u201cThose Who Try to Distort History,\u201d<\/strong> the short featured numerous popular actors, prompting calls among Myanmar netizens and the diaspora to boycott and denounce<\/strong> the performers.<\/p>\n

It remains unclear whether the actors participated under coercion or voluntarily, as none have publicly spoken about possible pressure from authorities. According to unnamed sources cited by local media, a senior official from the Ministry of Information<\/strong> had reportedly met with members of the film industry in Yangon and told them they would be expected to assist in election-related propaganda activities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

On Myanmar social media, however, public anger has surged \u2014 regardless of the circumstances, calls to boycott and ostracize<\/strong> those involved in the propaganda film are growing. Videos are circulating that juxtapose past footage of the same actors participating in anti-coup protests in 2021<\/strong> with new clips from the junta\u2019s election propaganda film<\/strong>, exposing a painful contrast.<\/p>\n

In the early months after the coup, many celebrities from the film and music industries were arrested for joining protests<\/strong>, with some later released while others received prison sentences of up to several years. Some who were freed have since appeared at junta-organized events, such as Thingyan (Water Festival) ceremonies<\/strong>, likely under pressure to maintain their livelihoods or avoid re-arrest.<\/p>\n

As anti-junta groups and activists call for renewed boycotts of junta-aligned entertainers, the junta\u2019s security apparatus has reportedly been closely monitoring social media accounts<\/strong> of other artists who were not involved<\/strong> in the propaganda film. Even mild or indirect actions \u2014 such as liking or commenting on posts by foreign-based media outlets<\/strong> covering the propaganda campaign \u2014 have drawn scrutiny. This surveillance has already led to a new wave of arrests<\/strong> of directors and actors.<\/p>\n

This pattern suggests that the junta is especially focused on monitoring artists, influencers, and public figures<\/strong>, more so than ordinary citizens or political activists. The regime seems prepared to arrest anyone the moment they make even a minor mistake or post a subtle dissenting comment. The situation highlights the regime\u2019s extreme intolerance<\/strong>: it cannot bear even the smallest expression of disapproval or skepticism about the upcoming election<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Over nearly five years since the coup, the junta has imprisoned tens of thousands<\/strong> of people from all walks of life \u2014 including civil servants, doctors, teachers, writers, journalists, astrologers, and activists \u2014 for expressing anti-regime views or supporting the resistance in nonviolent ways. Sentences have ranged from a few months to five years, and while some were later freed under general amnesties, thousands remain behind bars<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

As the election date approaches, it is expected that more arrests<\/strong> will occur under the Election Security Law<\/strong>, which criminalizes criticism of the vote. Nearly 70 people have already been detained<\/strong> under this law so far.<\/p>\n

For those living abroad who oppose the military dictatorship, it is increasingly vital to raise awareness about digital security and online safety<\/strong> among people still inside Myanmar \u2014 to help protect them from unnecessary risk, surveillance, and repression in the coming months.<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Myanmar Spring Chronicle \u2013 October 31 Overview(MoeMaKa, November 1, 2025) The Junta\u2019s Intolerant Election The recent arrests of six well-known film directors and actors within just a few days have shocked the public. The junta detained acclaimed director Mite Tee,…<\/p>\n

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