Restricting Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Peaceful Assembly with the Election Protection Law
According to monitoring and documentation records by the Athan organization in September 2025, it was observed that the military junta was increasingly using the Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic General Elections from Obstruction, Disruption, and Destruction to file lawsuits and legal charges.
Based on the findings, the first person to be prosecuted under the Election Protection Law was Ko Nay Thway, aged 36, who was accused of writing and distributing content on social media that incited the destruction of the election. He was sentenced to seven years of brutal labor imprisonment by the Taunggyi Township Court on September 9.
Similarly, Ko Aung Ye Htut and Ko Yan Naing Kyi Win from East Hlaing Tharyar Township were arrested on September 18 for allegedly posting anti-election stickers and were charged under Section 23(a) of the Election Protection Law. In Loikaw, Karenni (Kayah State), a total of 5 people—three minors aged 14 and two adults—were also arrested on charges of “election interference” and have similarly been charged under the same Law’s sections by the junta.
Furthermore, under Section 23(a) of the aforementioned Election Protection Law, legal action has been taken against KNU Chairman Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win and 13 members of his organization, as well as 17 members of the Chinland Government in Chin State, all on charges of “delivering speeches and incitement to destroy the election.”
Moreover, the Arakan Army (AA) and PDF forces have been charged with the allegation of carrying out a “bomb attack” on a voter education event related to voting machines in Ayeyarwady Region. Khit Thit Media has also been charged with “incitement to destroy the election”
Regarding non-violent protests, the public carried out a total of 52 protests using various methods until the end of September 2025. Sagaing Region saw the highest number of protests, with a total of 41 instances. Additionally, it was noted that in Sagaing Region, the public carried out 3 protests against the People’s Defense Force (PDF) and the People’s Security Force (PSF).Within September, A total of 10 individuals were arrested and prosecuted in connection with the exercise of freedom of expression.