The Situation of Freedom of Expression in Myanmar in October 2025
Freedom of Expression
According to monitoring records by the Athan, there was a heightened crackdown and surge in arrests against critics and opponents of the election during October. Arrests were made even for giving “reactions” (such as likes or emojis) to social media posts that criticized the election.
The military junta arrested director Mike Tee (Than Htun Zaw), actor Kyaw Win Htut (also known as Kyaw Min Htut), and comedian Ohn Dine (Zaw Myint) on October 29, accusing them of criticizing or participating in the criticism of a short propaganda film that satirically misrepresented the coup. Director Aung Chan Lu was also subsequently arrested on October 30 for giving a “Like” reaction to a Facebook post criticizing that film.
Athan’s monitoring revealed that a total of 15 individuals were arrested and prosecuted in October for exercising their freedom of expression, including those who criticized the military’s staged election.
Public Movements and Protests
During October, a total of 48 instances of nonviolent public movements and peaceful protests occurred nationwide. The majority were anti-dictatorship public movements. One example of a protest against the People’s Administration Department of NUG occurred in Gantgaw Township, Sagaing Region, and two cases of pro-military demonstrations in support of the military’s operations took place in Putao Town, Kachin State.
Among the incidents of violence against nonviolent public movements and peaceful demonstrations in October, one of the most notable was the airstrike on the candlelight protest in Chaung-U on the full moon day of Thadingyut. That incident resulted in the deaths of a total of 24 people, including five strike members, two CDM educators, and civilians, and left over 60 people injured.
Media Suppression
Under the ongoing media repression, another journalist was arrested by the military in October. Meanwhile, according to Western News, citing family members and close contacts, Border News Agency reporter Ma Mudar, who had been detained by the Arakan Army (AA) for security reasons, was released on October 22, after 32 days in detention. However, her employer, Border News Agency, stated that they have not yet been able to contact her directly despite reports of her release.