Criticism of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has sparked arrests within pro-military circles, including prominent regime supporter Zaw Phone Hein.
The well-known junta backer gained attention for vowing to self-immolate if the Northeastern Command in the northern Shan State capital, Lashio, fell. He was arrested at his home in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region, on June 2 and sent to Mandalay for interrogation.
A Pyin Oo Lwin resident told The Irrawaddy: “He is facing charges under Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law in Yangon. But no one knows the exact reason for his arrest.”
Pro-military Telegram channel Han Nyein Oo claimed Zaw Phone Hein was detained under the Telecommunications Law and for illegal logging, arms trading and unlicensed vehicle sales. The channel called for the arrest of anyone who criticised the arrest.
Zaw Phone Hein often criticized Min Aung Hlaing and other junta bosses, prompting speculation that his arrest may be part of a wider purge targeting dissent.
Some leaders of the Buddhist nationalist Association for Protection of Race and Religion, known by its Burmese acronym Ma Ba Tha, and other military supporters called for Zaw Phone Hein’s release, saying he remains loyal to the junta.
A Mandalay resident said: “I don’t like him because he is a military supporter but I respect that he criticised military corruption. It is worth noting that he was arrested after Han Nyein Oo posted about him on Telegram.”
He said two other military supporters, Ngar Min Swe and Kyaw Zeya, were detained shortly after being targeted by Han Nyein Oo.
Zaw Phone Hein also faces legal charges filed last month by the pro-military Moe Moe Khaing, who accused him of defaming junta chiefs under the Telecommunications Law.
A military supporter, speaking anonymously, said: “This is a warning to others that you could end up in jail if you point out their faults.”
The regime has not commented on Zaw Phone Hein’s arrest.
He visited the Northwestern Command in the Sagaing Region capital, Monywa, before his arrest.
The junta-aligned Pyu Saw Htee militia leader Zaw Yu Htun was arrested on May 15 following a dispute with a military officer at a checkpoint in Meiktila. He faces charges under Article 505(a) of the penal code and 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law.
Any citizen can use Article 66(d) to sue for alleged online abuse, regardless of whether they were the subject of the remarks. It carries a threat of three years in prison.
Zaw Yu Tun is a retired sergeant who became a Pyu Saw Htee leader in Meiktila after the 2021 coup.
He posted that families were paying heavy bribes to avoid conscription and men were not going out at night because they feared junta abductions. He is in Meiktila prison, awaiting trial. Over 20 militia members resigned following his arrest.
In March, military supporter Min Swe was jailed for three years for posting criticism of military leaders. He was arrested in November last year.
Former military officer and lawmaker Kyaw Zeya was detained in April after mocking the junta’s response to the March 28 earthquake.
Ex-information minister Ye Htut, former military dictator Than Shwe’s son-in-law Dr Nay Soe Maung and retired Lieutenant General Myint Hlaing have also been arrested for criticizing the regime.
Pro-military journalist Kyaw Soe Oo was briefly detained in March last year after questioning the absence of police officers at the funeral of their colleague, who died in fighting in Sumprabum in Kachin State. He was held again in January for online criticism of the junta leadership.
Ma Ba Tha member and military supporter Ma Putu (Mahar Thway) was interrogated last year for her criticism of the junta leadership. Ma Ba Tha monk and Pyu Saw Htee leader Pauk Kodaw was interrogated after he called during a pro-military rally in Pyin Oo Lwin in January last year for the resignation of Min Aung Hlaing.
