Myanmar’s Crackdown: The Junta’s New “Don’t Support Terrorists” Rule
The Burmese military, who seized power back in early last year, has launched a fresh warning to anyone who shows any shade of encouragement—whether by liking or sharing posts—of what it calls a “terrorist” resistance movement. The officials say you could face a jail sentence of up to ten years simply for giving a thumbs‑up to a post about the National Unity Government (NUG). The stakes just keep dropping.
Why the Junta is Turning Up the Heat
Information Minister Zaw Min Tin told a televised briefing that the so‑called “terrorists” are actively seeking funds to keep killing innocent people. He warned that any support—kinder or otherwise—would be met with severe punishments, especially for those who are donating money or backing the armed affiliates of the NUG (the People’s Defence Forces, or PDF).
“If you donate money or support terrorists and their acts, you will face harsher punishments. We’re doing this to protect innocent civilians,”
He set out a grim timeline: every kind of endorsement—social media likes, shares, or even minor financial gestures—could land you between three and ten years behind bars, with a steeper penalty for anything that counts as “money transfer.”
The Jolt to the Citizen Journalists
Since the coup, bottom‑tier activists and citizen reporters have used platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok to broadcast protest footage, expose alleged army atrocities, and rally global sympathy. The junta’s harsh new decree means their work could now fall into a legal black hole that might erase the safety net many rely on.
Key Takeaways
- No support for the NUG or PDF: Liking or sharing a post can land you up to 10 years in jail.
- Money is riskier: Even a small donation could lead to more severe penalties.
- Rough Justice: The military has already executed four democracy activists and carried out secret trials that have sent thousands into prison.
- Unfair Play: The United Nations describes the crackdown as “mass killings” and “crimes against humanity.”
- International Criticism: Calls for deeper engagement with the NUG and inclusion in peace talks are gaining momentum—but the militia’s ruling board refuses.
Global Reactions and the UN’s Sidelined Verdict
The UN has been increasingly vocal, accusing the junta of flooding the street with violence and failing to run a functioning government. In a recent report, the consular office called for the military to be isolated further, describing its rulebook as “broken,” and criticized a “profound financial sector crisis” that the junta cannot heal.
If you’re a Burmese citizen trying to raise your voice—or a neighbor somewhere else wishing to help—know that the stakes are high. Leak a post, and you might just put yourself at risk of a long, unorthodox stay behind bars. Stay tuned for updates—because at least in Myanmar, the drama is far from over.
