Violation of freedom of speech in May 2025
According to the Athan’s secondary collected information, May 2025 appears to have had one of the highest numbers of arrests in 2025 for exercising the right to freedom of expression. It is learnt that there were 21 civilians arrested expressing their opinions and sharing news about the National Unity Government (NUG) and other political alliances, which are designated as terrorist organisations by the military junta.
Figure of arrested number by region
The numbers shown in the figure are analyzed from news and information from online independent media outlets and Myanmar Alinn and Mirror, which are junta-controlled propaganda channels. There were a total of 21 individuals arrested because the junta allegedly accused those individuals of spreading false news and instigating propaganda. Amongst those, Mandalay ranks the highest number with (4) females, (3) males; Ayeyarwady ranks the 2nd highest with (5) unidentified gender, and (1) male from different incidents.