Myanmar court sentences activists to 37 years over election protest

Nine activists in Myanmar have received lengthy prison sentences for protesting the military-backed elections scheduled for late 2025 and early 2026. Eight of the activists, including prominent figure Htet Myat Aung, were sentenced to 37 years in Mandalay by two courts. A ninth activist received a 27-year sentence. These convictions were based on charges under electoral and counterterrorism laws. The activists were arrested on December 4th after staging a flash protest urging a boycott of the upcoming elections, rejection of mandatory conscription, and the release of political prisoners. They will not appeal their sentences.

Courts in Myanmar have sentenced nine activists to lengthy prison terms, with some receiving up to 37 years, for their involvement in a protest advocating for an election boycott. The sentences were handed down on Tuesday in Mandalay, the country's second-largest city, following convictions under electoral and counterterrorism laws. Prominent activist Htet Myat Aung was among those sentenced to 37 years. The activists were arrested after a December 3 protest calling for rejection of the elections, abolition of military conscription, and release of political prisoners. An activist group stated the sentences aim to instill fear and secure the military's hold on power, while the military-backed government has not commented. The election law under which they were convicted carries penalties up to the death penalty for opposing or disrupting elections.