Myanmar junta hands election boycott activists prison terms of up to 37 years

The sentences highlight the regime’s determination to suppress all opposition to an electoral process widely dismissed as illegitimate. At least 10 activists were handed prison terms of up to 37 years each by a judge at a trial held at Yangon’s infamous Insein Prison, for calling for a boycott of the general election held in November 2023. The election was held by the military junta that has ruled Myanmar since its coup in February 2021. The military has claimed the election was free and fair, but many countries and international organizations have not recognized the results. The sentences are likely to further raise concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Myanmar.