• Burmese
Friday, June 13, 2025
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
The Irrawaddy
27 °c
Yangon
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
No Result
View All Result
The Irrawaddy
No Result
View All Result
Home News Burma

Myanmar’s Lawyers Face Increasing Junta Threats

The Irrawaddy by The Irrawaddy
November 3, 2022
in Burma, Factiva, Features, News
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0 0
A A
Myanmar’s Lawyers Face Increasing Junta Threats

Lawyers at an anti-regime protest in Mandalay in February 2021.

4.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Myanmar’s defense lawyers for political detainees are facing increased threats from the junta which has carried out arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings since last year’s coup.

The junta supporters watch them and encourage their arrest. There were calls for the arrest of a female lawyer who posted condolences on social media after the mother of her jailed client was killed in October’s blasts and junta shooting at the parcel drop-off at Yangon’s Insein Prison.

Lawyers say they can no longer express compassion for the death of innocent civilians.

RelatedPosts

China Defends Myanmar Junta on Human Rights at UN

China Defends Myanmar Junta on Human Rights at UN

June 12, 2025
555
Myanmar Junta Reinforces Kyaukphyu as AA Nears China-Backed SEZ Hub

Myanmar Junta Reinforces Kyaukphyu as AA Nears China-Backed SEZ Hub

June 11, 2025
1.8k
Myanmar Junta Accused of Using Cluster Bombs in Deadly Attack on Karen Village School

Myanmar Junta Accused of Using Cluster Bombs in Deadly Attack on Karen Village School

June 11, 2025
586

A pro-junta Telegram post said: “Isn’t it too dangerous not to do anything to lawyers that support terrorism? Aren’t you concerned that they would spy on confidential information at government law offices and leak it to terrorist state-destroyers? That lawyer should be interrogated. Her red Facebook profile means she does not care about the current government.”

Red is the color of the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD).

At least 20 lawyers have been charged with terrorism and incitement since the coup for joining anti-regime protests and for having alleged links to the National Unity Government (NUG), which has been labeled a terrorist organization.

Among the detained lawyers were Daw Ywet Nu Aung, who was acting for ousted Mandalay Region chief minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, and lawyers acting for prominent protest leader Ko Wai Moe Naing from Monywa in Sagaing Region. Some lawyers have been in hiding since arrest warrants were issued.

Lawyers at an anti-regime protest in Mandalay in February 2021. / The Irrawaddy

“The regime wants to stop lawyers from working by arresting some of them and deterring the others,” said a lawyer.

It also issued gagging orders about legal cases and clients.

The legal team of detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was barred from talking to the media, diplomats and international agencies, limiting information about her ongoing trials.

Detained lawyers have been forced to kneel with their hands tied behind their backs and have been subjected to obscenities, according to a female lawyer.

“Soldiers at the interrogation centers do not know who’s who. One of my colleagues said they threatened to stamp on his throat and cut off his tongue if it stuck out,” she said.

They want to inflict psychological trauma and instill fear, she said.

Lawyers who are known for acting for free for political detainees are particularly targeted.

Another female lawyer said: “They threaten lawyers who dare to speak boldly at a trial. I was warned and told to sign a statement that I would not do it again. I thought I would be arrested. It was at the trial at a prison. I was taken away by armed soldiers. They wanted to charge me but they could not find a reason. And they want to know why we represent [political detainees] for free and how we make a living.”

Many lawyers are struggling financially as they provide free legal services for political detainees.

“Few clients have money to pay. We try not to neglect people so we take on more cases,” said a Yangon lawyer.

The clients incur costs with court clerks demanding bribes for services like photocopying.

Lawyers are only required to pay 100 kyats per photocopied page but clerks are demanding much larger sums, lawyers said.

The Bar Council Act was amended under the NLD government to protect the rights of lawyers but the regime has abolished the right of lawyers to elect the council and enabled the junta to appoint the legal body. Under the amendment, the junta-appointed attorney general and chief justice will appoint the council.

The regime has also scrapped a provision that calls for “preventing and reducing unnecessary detention in police cells and prison during police work and interrogation and prevent arbitrary arrests”.

The regime has been ignoring other legal protections. It is prosecuting political detainees at military tribunals where defendants are denied their right to counsel and handed long prison sentences or even the death penalty.

A lawyer said: “The regime has instructed the courts to imprison them and so they will always get three years, even with a lawyer. It makes little difference. Across the country, I have never seen a political detainee charged with incitement declared innocent and set free.”

Lawyers continue to accept new clients to serve as a bridge with families who are denied prison visits and provide a level of protection against torture and abuse and help with access to food and medicines. They also want to monitor the regime’s behavior.

Unfair trials will be revealed in the future and those responsible held accountable, said a lawyer.

“There will be changes and we want to establish a fine legal tradition,” he said.

Your Thoughts …
Tags: civil disobedience movementcivilian deathsCoupCourtscrackdownDemocracyHuman RightsjuntaLawLawyersmilitary in politicsmilitary regimeMin Aung HlaingNational League for DemocracyNational Unity GovernmentNovember 8 general electionPDFPeople’s Defense Forcepeople’s warPolitical PrisonersregimeRule of LawState Administrative CouncilState Counselor Daw Aung San Suu KyiTatmadaw
The Irrawaddy

The Irrawaddy

...

Similar Picks:

As Myanmar’s Military Stumbles, a Top General’s Dissapearance Fuels Intrigue
Burma

As Myanmar’s Military Stumbles, a Top General’s Dissapearance Fuels Intrigue

by The Irrawaddy
April 19, 2024
46.8k

The junta’s No. 2 has not been seen in public since April 3, sparking rumors that he was either gravely...

Read moreDetails
Enter the Dragon, Exit the Junta: Myanmar’s Brotherhood Alliance makes Chinese New Year Vow
Burma

Enter the Dragon, Exit the Junta: Myanmar’s Brotherhood Alliance makes Chinese New Year Vow

by The Irrawaddy
February 12, 2024
44.6k

Ethnic armed grouping says it will continue Operation 1027 offensive until goal of ousting the junta is achieved. 

Read moreDetails
Drone Attack at Myanmar-China Border Gate Causes Over $14m in Losses
Business

Drone Attack at Myanmar-China Border Gate Causes Over $14m in Losses

by The Irrawaddy
November 27, 2023
38.5k

Jin San Jiao is latest northern Shan State trade hub in crosshairs of ethnic Brotherhood Alliance.

Read moreDetails
Arakan Army Captures Myanmar Junta Brigade General in Chin State Rout: Report
Burma

Arakan Army Captures Myanmar Junta Brigade General in Chin State Rout: Report

by The Irrawaddy
January 15, 2024
36.5k

Rakhine-based armed group has reportedly detained the chief of 19th Military Operations Command after seizing his base in Paletwa Township.

Read moreDetails
Myanmar Coup Leader Showers Medals on Troops as String of Defeats Erodes Morale
Burma

Myanmar Coup Leader Showers Medals on Troops as String of Defeats Erodes Morale

by The Irrawaddy
December 8, 2023
32.9k

Min Aung Hlaing was trying to distract attention from a string of military defeats by handing out 147 medals for...

Read moreDetails
Myanmar Junta Arrests Thai Condo Buyers, Realtors as Currency Crashes
Business

Myanmar Junta Arrests Thai Condo Buyers, Realtors as Currency Crashes

by The Irrawaddy
June 4, 2024
27.6k

Monday’s arrests follow reports that Myanmar has become one of Thailand’s most lucrative markets for selling condos since the 2021...

Read moreDetails
Load More
Next Post
Two Officers Among Nearly 30 Myanmar Junta Soldiers Killed by Resistance in Past Four Days

More Than 20 Regime Personnel Killed in Two Days of Resistance Attacks

Thailand Seizes Nearly $50 Million in Assets From Detained Myanmar Arms Dealer

Thailand Seizes Nearly $50 Million in Assets From Detained Myanmar Arms Dealer

No Result
View All Result

Recommended

The Hidden Fallout From China’s Cross-Border Crime Crackdown in Myanmar

The Hidden Fallout From China’s Cross-Border Crime Crackdown in Myanmar

4 days ago
1.4k
How the Myanmar Military’s Propaganda Efforts Have Evolved Over the Decades

How the Myanmar Military’s Propaganda Efforts Have Evolved Over the Decades

2 days ago
847

Most Read

  • Civilians in Need as Arakan Army Advances on Kyaukphyu

    Civilians in Need as Arakan Army Advances on Kyaukphyu

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Junta Reinforces Kyaukphyu as AA Nears China-Backed SEZ Hub

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Junta Advances into Karenni State

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Jade Hub Burns as Junta Counteroffensive Penetrates Hpakant

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • China Defends Myanmar Junta on Human Rights at UN

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Newsletter

Get The Irrawaddy’s latest news, analyses and opinion pieces on Myanmar in your inbox.

Subscribe here for daily updates.

Contents

  • News
  • Politics
  • War Against the Junta
  • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
  • Conflicts In Numbers
  • Junta Crony
  • Ethnic Issues
  • Asia
  • World
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Election 2020
  • Elections in History
  • Cartoons
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Commentary
  • Guest Column
  • Analysis
  • Letters
  • In Person
  • Interview
  • Profile
  • Dateline
  • Specials
  • Myanmar Diary
  • Women & Gender
  • Places in History
  • On This Day
  • From the Archive
  • Myanmar & COVID-19
  • Intelligence
  • Myanmar-China Watch
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Fashion & Design
  • Videos
  • Photos
  • Photo Essay
  • Donation

About The Irrawaddy

Founded in 1993 by a group of Myanmar journalists living in exile in Thailand, The Irrawaddy is a leading source of reliable news, information, and analysis on Burma/Myanmar and the Southeast Asian region. From its inception, The Irrawaddy has been an independent news media group, unaffiliated with any political party, organization or government. We believe that media must be free and independent and we strive to preserve press freedom.

  • Copyright
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Team
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Burmese

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Business
    • Economy
    • Business Roundup
  • Books
  • Donation

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.