U Khin Yi at a press conference about the 2020 General Election on January 5, 2020.
Khin Yi replaced Than Htay as the new chairperson of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). After stepping down from his leading role, Than Htay said he takes responsibility for failing to win the 2020 election for the party and that he was unable to protect 2,000 party members killed since the coup. A close ally of Min Aung Hlaing, new USDP chair Khin Yi repeated the coup leader’s unsubstantiated claims that the National League for Democracy (NLD) government committed electoral fraud in 2020.
“According to the legal investigation, there were over 11.3 million counts of electoral fraud in the 2020 elections. This is a very bad incident in an organization that should shape the future of the country according to the will of the people,” Khin Yi said. A former Brigadier General in the military, Khin Yi also served as the USDP vice chair and the junta’s Minister of Immigration before receiving his new post at the party’s conference in Naypyidaw Oct. 4-5, 2022.
A longtime stalwart of Burma’s unelected leaders, Khin Yi has played prominent roles under the leadership of Than Shwe, and Thein Sein. He was trounced by the NLD in 2015 when he contested a seat for the USDP in Ayeyarwady Region. Before this week’s USDP conference that made him leader, Khin Yi added nearly 300 Burma Army officers to the party’s leadership ranks. He has committed the USDP to join the junta in its planned election next year.
The USDP transformed itself from an association of junta loyalists into a political party in 2010 to contest elections against the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained in Min Aung Hlaing’s coup last year and remains jailed facing trumped up charges. Members of the ousted NLD government have been murdered, tortured, jailed or forced into hiding due to the junta’s repression against it. It is unknown whether the NLD will boycott any election planned by Min Aung Hlaing, in his desperate attempt in becoming president.
Toru Kubota convicted of sedition by military court in Burma
Japanese filmmaker sentenced for “sedition” in Burma
Japanese filmmaker and journalist Toru Kubota was sentenced to 10 years in prison for violating sedition and communications laws, according to a Japanese foreign ministry spokesperson. Kubota, 26, was arrested at an anti-coup protest in Yangon last July. He was accused of encouraging dissent against the military and of violating immigration laws, according to the official. Kubota is due back in court on Oct. 12.
Thai media reports investigation into local links with Burma crony
Thai authorities are investigating the connection of Senator Upakit Pachariyangkun with Tun Min Latt, the Burma national arrested in Bangkok and charged with conspiracy to traffic narcotics and money laundering, Thai media reported. Pachariyangkun denied accusations of a business relationship with Tun Min Latt. He threatened to sue anyone making these claims. Tun Min Latt maintains a close relationship with Burma’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.
Another local media outlet shuts down in Burma
The Mon News Agency (MNA) announced that it is “no longer willing to continue.” It shut down all operations on Oct. 5. MNA is based in Mawlamyine and is a member of Burma News International (BNI), a network established in 2003 to give voice to ethnic communities in regions and states across Burma. It covered news in Burmese, Mon and English languages. MNA has yet to respond to DVB’s request for comment. “Everything has fallen apart because of the military coup. Incidents like the [closing of] Mon News Agency are proof. As a former journalist, I am saddened that a news agency has closed down. It is also a time for ethnic media outlets to be strengthened in Mon State,” said Sai Tun Aung Lwin, a former journalist at MNA. Ten media outlets, including DVB, have had their media licenses revoked by the junta. Fifty journalists are currently in prison; three have been killed since the coup.
News by Region
BAGO—More than 20 political prisoners, including striking civil servants, at Thayarwady Prison were beaten and forced to do hard labor, family members told DVB. “My family member who was inside the prison was asked to speak out for the political prisoners. Authorities forced the detainees to perform hard labor, including digging a toilet pit. They were also treated poorly during meal time,” a man said. Since the coup, more than 12,500 people have been arrested nationwide for political activities, according to the Association for the Assistance of Political Prisoners (AAPP). Many families have lost contact with their loved ones who’ve been detained.
KAREN—A Burma Army airstrike on Mektha village in Payarthonesu Township injured a Buddhist monk and destroyed a monastery. The strike occurred Oct. 6 and came eight days after Karen National Liberation Army-led forces occupied a Burma Army outpost in the township. Thirteen Burma army troops were killed in the attack. Locals said that the airstrike was in retaliation.
SAGAING—A 60-year-old woman died from a landmine in Min Hla Village, Myaung Township on Oct. 6. Locals said that the landmine was planted by the Burma Army. Local defense forces cleared three Burma Army landmines at a Myaung’s Sinkoo Village monastery on Sept. 5. Locals have taken refuge at the monastery.
TANINTHARYI—Dawei Political Prisoners Network (DPPN) announced that the district court is leveling new charges against 10 convicted political prisoners in Dawei Prison. The 10 prisoners had already received sentences of up to 26 years of imprisonment each. More than 250 political prisoners are currently detained in Dawei Prison, according to DPPN.
YANGON—A man was shot on Thansuma Road in South Okkalapa Township on Oct. 5. “The person was shot by an unidentified gunman on the road. The shooter was walking and shot the victim in the head and ran away,” a witness told DVB. The motivation behind the attack is currently unknown. An explosion occurred at a ward administration office in Shwe Pyi Thar Township injuring a woman.
Six people were injured in an attack at the home of a ward administrator in Dagon Seikkan Township on Oct. 5. “Six were wounded and girls were among the injured,” a local told DVB. The perpetrators are unknown.
*All stories are based on breaking news, and are reported with information that DVB receives in real time. DVB will update stories on our social media pages or website as and when new or more accurate information becomes available.
ASEAN shuns junta and invites “non-political” representative
ASEAN’s current chair Cambodia will not invite senior junta officials to an ASEAN Summit next month and will instead invite a “non-political” representative from Burma. The bridge that was built by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen toward the junta at the beginning of the year, as it took over as chair of ASEAN, has been burned by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing as he refuses to abide by ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and had five democracy activists executed last July, including former National League for Democracy (NLD) members Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zeyar Thaw. Burma civil society organizations (CSOs) demand the junta be ejected from ASEAN – not engaged – as it does not represent the people of Burma.
The National Unity Government pressures state workers to join CDM
The NUG Minister Lwin Ko Latt said that many non-Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) workers have resigned following threats to arrest them if they refused to stop working under the junta. He made the claims at an NUG meeting with its township administration groups, security forces, police and fire departments as well as other local authorities from Magway and Sagaing regions. Lwin Ko Latt said in September that the NUG would issue arrest warrants under the Counter Terrorism Act for local officials that did not resign from their posts. He said that the parallel government also formed People’s Police forces in Kalay, Tamu and Watlet townships in Sagaing Region where clashes are escalating. Moreover, he claimed that judiciaries have been formed and trials have already begun in ten townships to investigate crimes.
The junta tightens its censorship regime
The junta’s Deputy Minister for Information Ye Tint ordered censor approvals before airing movies or series on television networks inside Burma at a meeting of the Film Promotion Division on Sept. 27. The junta wants its film censorship regime to work overtime to scrutinize all movies and shows before allowing them to be aired on television airwaves or screened in cinemas across the country. The deputy minister’s order is meant to ensure that all visual content does not offend religious values, or violate national security. Burma ranks at the bottom – 176 out of 180 countries – on the 2022 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
News by Region
SHAN—State media claimed that 12 men arrested by the Burma Army at a checkpoint in Kyaukme Township on Oct. 2 were allegedly heading to receive “terrorist explosive trainings.” It was reported that the 12 were on their way to liberated areas under the control of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). “We do not conduct this sort of training. We did not provide any training to any other group as well,” the TNLA told Shwe Phee Myay News Agency.
MANDALAY—Six men were killed and their bodies were discovered in Natogyi and Taung Tha, in Myingyan District on Oct. 3. Five bodies were found in Natogyi. “I learned that the victims are two tea shop owners, an oil mill owner in the town, and another two men from Thangu village. It is unknown who killed them,” a local told DVB. Another body was found in Taung Tha. No groups have yet claimed responsibility for the killings. The victims are reportedly members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), according to the Mandalay Free Press.
TANINTHARYI—A 60-year-old man, his wife and son were killed and the bodies were discovered in Pandalell village on Oct. 4, Dawei Watch reported. “It has been a long time since they have stayed in the village,” a resident told the news outlet. Two local defense forces jointly claimed responsibility for the murders, claiming that the three were members of the junta’s Pyu Saw Hti militia and conducted “terrorist activities” in the village.
RAKHINE—The junta charged six individuals under the Unlawful Association Act. The six include village administrators and district administrators in Kyaukphyu and Buthidaung townships. They are accused of providing support for the Arakan Army (AA). “Four were arrested including a district administrator and were sent to a police station on Monday afternoon. All of them were charged under Sec. 17(1) of the Unlawful Association Act,” a source from Kyaukphyu Myoma police station told DVB. Two village administrators in Buthidaung Township charged under the Unlawful Association Act have been held at the township police station since Sept. 30.
Over 50 children under the age of five at the Wa Taung refugee camp in Kyauktaw Township are in urgent need of assistance, the camp manager told DVB. “Since around Sept. 16, the children have been experiencing symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath among others,” he added. Local health authorities reported that the displaced people need assistance that cannot be provided because of staff and medical supply shortages. Getting humanitarian access to the camps is difficult due to travel restrictions imposed by the Burma Army.
Wa Taung refugee camp houses 872 people displaced by the conflict between Burma Army and AA. Camp officials reported that humanitarian organizations have been banned from traveling to the region since January. More than 80,000 people have been unable to return home since fighting began in Rakhine State and neighboring Chin’s Paletwa Township. Nearly 6,000 have been displaced from their homes due to recent clashes between the Burma Army and the AA.
YANGON —One person was injured in an explosion near the 26 ward administration office in Shwe Pyi Thar Township on Oct. 5. “I saw one injured person being carried in an ambulance. I don’t know if the injured is a civilian or from the administration office,” a local told DVB. Police set up checkpoints and increased patrols in the ward following the blast.
DVB Picks—Watch this Facebook video from Fortify Rights featuring Omal Khair, Dil Kayas, and Azimul Hasson. These three Rohingya photographers discuss becoming co-authors of a new book called “A Chance to Breathe.” DVB Picks selects and recommends the best videos, reports and interviews on Burma in the English language every week. Stay tuned!
Meikswe Myanmar (Friends of Myanmar) was named the UN Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) Nansen Refugee Award winner for the Asia region. The UNHCR stated that it recognized the organization’s “longstanding commitment to aiding and empowering communities uprooted by conflict. It also acknowledges their contributions in supporting and building the capacity of local organizations to effectively respond to the needs of displaced populations and host communities.” Meikswe Myanmar Founder Naw Bway Khu said: “Our value is the focus on fragile and forgotten communities that are often in hard-to-access areas, as well as minority groups.” The CSO was founded in 2004 and operates in states and regions across Burma including Shan, Rakhine, and Kayin States, Magway, Mandalay and Yangon Regions.
Thai officials accused of violating non-refoulement, again
Thai officials forcefully repatriated 300 refugees from Karen State displaced by violence on Sept. 30, according to the European Karen Network. The refugees were forced to flee to the Thai side of the Burma border due to fierce fighting in Sukali Township. The European Karen Network issued a statement on Oct. 4 strongly condemning the actions of Thai authorities. “The Royal Thai government cracks down on refugees fleeing the Burmese military while at the same time cooperating with the Burmese military and while Thai companies help fund the Burmese military…,” said Nan Kyi Aye, the Chairperson of the European Karen Network. The Thai government has tightened its border security due to Burma Army attacks on communities.
Burmese arrested for impersonating Thai officials
Four undocumented Burmese nationals were caught impersonating officials of the Thai Justice Department during an inspection from Thai authorities in Ranong Province, southern Thailand, on Oct. 4, according to Thai news outlet The Siamrath. The undocumented migrant workers, who were wearing the uniforms worn by Thai justice department officials, are reported to have been arrested in a car along with a Thai driver. Those arrested are expected to be prosecuted for impersonating Thai officials as well as for violating Thai immigration law.
News by Region
AYEYARWADY—Burma Army troops have set up checkpoints in Zalun town. According to residents, a local woman was fined K8,000 ($3.81 USD) for not having a bell on her bicycle. She was returning home from the market on Oct. 2. “They even demand [money] for bicycles without bells. Even if everything is perfect, they will find reasons to demand money,” a resident told DVB. Since last year’s coup, the Burma Army has extorted money from locals in towns, villages and cities across the country under the pretext of enforcing traffic regulations.
BAGO—Security in Pyay was increased due to the expected visit by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on Oct. 4. He is to visit the city’s landmark Shwe San Daw Pagoda to perform a Yadayar – a magic ritual practiced in Burma to prevent misfortune – as previous dictators Ne Win and Than Shwe have done before. According to Pyay residents, uniformed and plainclothes police have been deployed all over the city. Last year, the junta leader’s trip was canceled as reports of his visit were widely circulated in advance.| BURMESE
NAYPYIDAW—The court hearing for two corruption cases against Aung San Suu Kyi was held at the prison on Oct. 4. The corruption charges stem from allegations that the ousted State Counsellor took bribes from Maung Weik, a local businessperson. A verdict is expected on Oct. 12, according to someone close to the deposed leader. Suu Kyi has pleaded not guilty on all charges leveled against her. She was recently convicted and sentenced for violating the Official Secrets Act. Her total jail sentence is currently 23 years. But she faces seven more criminal charges, according to this same source.
The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) reshuffled its leadership. Khin Yi replaced former brigadier general Than Htay as its chairperson. The announcement was made at the party’s third conference in Naypyidaw on Oct. 4. According to Myanmar Now, two recently retired Burma Army generals were appointed as the party’s first vice chairman and general secretary. It has been reported that disagreements inside the party led to the reshuffle. “There are also financial issues within the party. Everyone thought that Khin Yi would be able to control it,” a USDP member told DVB. Than Htay has faced allegations that tens of thousands of kyats of party funds were lent to some of the party’s members. “Than Htay is not strong… How many party members died while he was the chairman and what did he do? We like a person who doesn’t have issues managing finances,” another party member told DVB. The USDP became a political party in 2010 to represent the military and contest elections against the National League for Democracy (NLD).
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