The Myanmar junta has arrested and charged nine residents from Loikaw and Yangon, including a 14-year-old boy, accusing them of attempting to disrupt the upcoming election, according to a report published on 23 September.

Those detained were accused of organizing protests, writing letters, and posting messages on social media and in public spaces to oppose the election.

The detainees from Loikaw, Karenni State, include minors Htun Nay Oo Hlaing (14), Phyo Paing Zay Aung (16), and Aung Naing Lin (17), along with adult residents Paing Paing Soe and Han Htun Aung. From Yangon’s Shwe Pyi Thar Township, the arrested were Ye Thu Aung, Kyaw Wunna, Chit Win, and Pyay Htun.

The five detained in Loikaw were charged at the Loikaw Township Police Station, while those in Yangon face charges under Section 23(a) of the Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic Elections from Obstruction, Disruption and Destruction.

A Yangon resident told Mizzima, “Even though the whole country and the world knows the election is unfair, no one dares to speak out. We’re in their hands, and there’s nothing we can do. They’ll just keep going.”

Section 23(a), enacted in late July, carries prison sentences of three to seven years and a fine, with the death penalty possible if disruption results in fatalities.

On 25 August, state media reported that Ko Nay Thway from Taunggyi, Shan State, was sentenced to seven years in prison, the maximum penalty under the same law for criticizing the junta’s planned election.

Lt. Gen. Tun Tun Naung, chairman of the junta’s Central Committee on Security Supervision for the Multiparty Democracy General Election, said on 5 September that three cases had already been filed under the law as of 2 September.