Myanmar Military Junta to Carry Out First Death Sentence on Anti-Junta Figure

Four people, including politician Pyo Jeya, Tto, activist Cho Min-yu, are scheduled for execution
International calls continue to demand the repeal of the death sentence decision

Protesters denouncing the military coup in February last year. Photo by AFP, Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] The Myanmar military junta, which seized power through a coup, is set to carry out the death penalty on anti-junta politicians and activists.

According to Myanmar local media Irrawaddy and AFP, the Myanmar military junta has approved the execution of four individuals, including former MP Pyo Zeya Toe of the National League for Democracy and civic activist Cho Min Yu. The method of execution has been confirmed as hanging.

In response, the international community has strongly criticized the Myanmar military junta and urged the withdrawal of the executions.

United Nations Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres called it "a violation of the rights to life, liberty, and security of individuals," and UN spokesperson St?phane Dujarric conveyed that he requested the immediate release of the politicians and activists.

Human rights organization Amnesty International also demanded the "withdrawal of the executions" and emphasized the need for prompt international intervention.

Former MP Pyo Zeya Toe and Cho Min Yu were arrested in November and October respectively, and in January of this year, they were found guilty of violating the anti-terrorism law.

Citizens' activist Cho Min-yu (left) and former lawmaker Pyo Je-ya Tto (right), both sentenced to death. Photo by Irrawaddy site capture, Yonhap News

Among them, Cho Min Yu, nicknamed "Zima," is known as part of the so-called "88 Generation," who led anti-dictatorship pro-democracy protests alongside Min Ko Naing in 1988. Since the military coup in February, he has been at the forefront of anti-junta activities.

Military junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun also announced that two men who killed a woman for allegedly providing information to the junta will be sentenced to death.

Spokesperson Tun explained regarding the executions, "The court has dismissed the suspects' appeals and requests for sentence reductions, so there are no remaining legal procedures."

The specific date of the executions has not yet been set.

Meanwhile, the Myanmar military seized power in a coup against the government led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in February. Since then, they have arrested and prosecuted numerous activists and politicians involved in resistance movements against the military.

Among those prosecuted, 113 individuals were sentenced to death for violating the anti-terrorism law, but no executions have actually been carried out. Myanmar has not executed anyone since 1990.