Myanmar court sentences activists to 37 years for election protest
Nine activists in Myanmar have been sentenced to up to 37 years in prison for protesting the military-backed December elections.
A court in Myanmar has handed down prison sentences of up to 37 years to nine activists for their involvement in protests against the military-backed elections held last December. The activists were accused of illegally organizing demonstrations challenging the election results, which the military government deemed legitimate. This is among the harshest sentences imposed on civilians since the 2021 military coup. Families and supporters of the activists have condemned the rulings as disproportionate and politically motivated. The international community has also criticized the verdict, calling on Myanmar's authorities to release political prisoners and uphold human rights. The court has not disclosed detailed evidence supporting the sentence. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the lack of judicial independence in Myanmar, where the military maintains tight control over state institutions.
