A military tribunal in Mandalay has sentenced eight protesters, including prominent student leader Htet Myat Aung, to 37 years in prison each following their participation in demonstrations opposing the junta’s proposed elections.

The verdicts were handed down on July 27 during military court proceedings covering cases filed across three police stations in Mandalay, according to the Yadanabon University Students’ Union.

Each activist received a 30-year sentence across three counts under Section 23(b) of the Law Safeguarding the Prevention of Disturbance, Obstruction, and Destruction of Elections, along with an additional seven-year sentence under Section 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.

Among those sentenced is Ko Htet Myat Aung, also known as "Patheingyi," a non-violent protest leader and former president of the Yadanabon University Students’ Union. He was arrested on December 14, 2025, during a high-profile anti-election demonstration in Mandalay alongside fellow prominent activists Dr. Tay Zar San, Ko Nan Lin, and Ko Khant Wai Phyo.

Following their detention, the activists were held incommunicado for seven months before legal proceedings commenced in January 2026.

Rights monitoring groups previously raised severe concerns for their safety after reports emerged that the protesters suffered severe beatings during their arrest.

Junta courts have increasingly utilized election protection statutes to crack down on opposition, with rights groups estimating that at least 200 people have been arrested and given maximum prison terms under these laws across multiple townships.

The Yadanabon University Students’ Union strongly condemned the sentences, pledging to maintain resistance efforts until all political prisoners are released and military rule is dismantled.

The military regime has not issued an official statement regarding the verdicts.