The Myanmar military junta has arrested and prosecuted 229 individuals over the past four months under a recently enacted law designed to protect its upcoming general election, according to Lieutenant General Tun Tun Naung, the junta’s Minister of Home Affairs. 

Speaking at a central committee meeting on 16 December, the general confirmed that 140 legal cases have been filed across the country, involving 201 men and 28 women.

The arrests were made under the “Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic General Elections from Obstruction, Disruption, and Destruction,” which was enacted on 29 July. Lt. Gen.

Tun Tun Naung stated that authorities must continue to take “effective action” against anyone accused of incitement or propaganda that could threaten the security of the polls.

Observers and rights groups have raised alarms over the scope of these arrests, noting that the law is being used to criminalize even minor forms of expression. Among those detained are minors and filmmakers arrested for social media activity, including giving “love” reactions to posts critical of the junta. 

Journalists and activists who do not recognize the military’s authority or its planned election have also been arrested. This includes protest leaders like Dr. Tay Zar San, Nan Lin, and Khant Wai Phyo, who are facing legal action following demonstrations in Mandalay.

Fortify Rights, an organization monitoring the situation, characterized the law as a “tool of repression.” John Quinley, the group’s director, stated on 10 December that the elections are a “show of authoritarianism” intended to suppress dissent.

He argued that the military is using the legal system to target ordinary citizens who criticize what many consider to be a sham election process.

The junta-controlled media reported that investigations are ongoing to identify more individuals who may be “obstructing” the election process through social media or direct action.