Myanmar Plans Executions of Five Activists

Myanmar's military regime executed a married couple, Maung Kaung Htet and Chan Myae Thu, on September 23, 2024, as part of its ongoing crackdown on dissent following the 2021 coup. Rights groups have condemned the executions, asserting that they were carried out without due process and warned that five more activists—Zaryaw Phyo, San Min Aung, Kyaw Win Soe, Kaung Pyae Sone Oo, and Myat Phyo Pwint—are scheduled to face the same fate on September 24. These individuals were convicted in a closed trial for alleged involvement in a deadly shooting incident in 2021. The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) has called for international action against the junta's execution policy, citing a blatant disregard for human rights. The junta's use of capital punishment marks a significant escalation in its efforts to suppress pro-democracy movements amidst a backdrop of renewed insurgencies. Human rights organizations continue to urge the international community to respond to the escalating crisis in Myanmar.