Myanmar Roundup: Son-in-law of ex-junta chief arrested, trafficking victims, Rohingya refugees

Myanmar authorities arrest son-in-law of ex-junta chief

Myanmar authorities have arrested Nay Soe Maung, a former military officer and the son-in-law of ex-junta leader Than Shwe. This arrest arises from Facebook posts that the junta deems as threats to "peace and stability." Since the coup in 2021, the military has ramped up censorship and surveillance of online speech, striving to quash dissent. While the specific posts leading to his arrest were not detailed, Nay Soe Maung's recent comments regarding the death of a member from the now-disbanded National League for Democracy (NLD) have caught the junta's attention. The military regime has communicated its intention to persist in cracking down on individuals propagating dissent online. Myanmar shares the undesirable rank with China for the worst internet freedom worldwide, underscoring the ongoing suppression of free expression in the country.

Myanmar police confiscate 238,000 stimulant tablets

Myanmar police have intensified their narcotics operations, seizing 238,000 stimulant tablets and 220 grams of heroin in Shan State on October 24, 2024. The drugs, valued at around 122.3 million kyats (approximately $58,238), were confiscated during a vehicle interception that was acted upon based on an intelligence tip-off. One suspect has been arrested and charged under narcotics laws. Just a day later, on October 25, law enforcement agencies also seized an additional 3.98 million stimulant tablets in the Yangon region, indicating a significant scale of drug trafficking that continues to plague Myanmar.

Human rights groups call on Thailand to rescue trafficking victims in Myanmar

Human rights advocacy groups are calling on Thailand to intervene and rescue over 100 alleged victims of human trafficking trapped in Myanmar. Reports indicate that a "Chinese mafia syndicate" is coercing these individuals into forced labour, with victims hailing from nine countries, among them 19 from Laos. The located victims are situated in areas dominated by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Border Guard Force (BGF), adjacent to Mae Sot, Thailand. Advocates highlight Thailand's recent election to the UN Human Rights Council as a critical juncture for action against human trafficking along the Thai-Myanmar border. Victims are predominantly lured by fraudulent job offers, only to have their passports confiscated and to fall prey to debt bondage and abuse. Historically, the Thai government has maintained a non-interventionist approach regarding Myanmar's internal conflicts; however, it has committed to collaborating with neighbouring countries to address cross-border crime effectively.

Burmese Americans protest Chinese interference in Myanmar outside Washington embassy

Burmese Americans protested outside the Chinese Embassy in Washington on October 24, 2024, demanding that Beijing cease its backing of Myanmar's military regime. Protesters called for an end to the supply of military equipment, including fighter jets, and condemned China's extraction of natural gas from Arakan State, an act seen as benefiting the junta at the expense of local communities.

Indonesia rescues over 150 Rohingya refugees

After being trapped at sea for many days, Indonesia has rescued more than 150 Rohingya refugees, including women and children, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported on October 25. A persecuted ethnic community in Myanmar, the Rohingya frequently travel by sea in perilous conditions to flee poverty in nations like Malaysia or Indonesia. The 152-refugee boat was anchored off Indonesia’s South Aceh district's coast. "UNHCR thanks the local authorities and communities for their humanitarian response and granting permission for the landing of around 152 refugees," said UNHCR’s Faisal Rahman. Indonesia has welcomed Rohingya migrants despite not being a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, although it encourages its neighbours to help with relocation efforts.