World Cup fans in US unfurl banner of Aung San Suu Kyi
A banner calling for the release of all political prisoners in Burma, including jailed State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, was unfurled at Metlife Stadium in the U.S. during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and Senegal on Monday. Seven fans unfurled the flag of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, which was ousted from government during the military coup on Feb. 1, 2021.
Photos of the banner and flag unfurled in the stands and outside the Metlife Stadium’s West Entrance, were shared on social media. Pho Khwar, one of the participants, shared on social media that the group did not seek permission from the venue, adding that the banner was within the permitted size of three-by-six feet. Events to mark Aung San Suu Kyi’s 81st birthday were held across the U.S. June 19-21.
They were a part of the global “Proof of Life” campaign demanding that Burma provide independent verification that Aung San Suu Kyi is alive. The 81-year-old ousted leader was reportedly transferred from Naypyidaw Prison to house arrest in the capital on April 30. But no proof has been provided by the regime. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, takes place in 16 different cities until July 19.
UN report says 702 civilians killed during Myanmar polls
The Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) shared its latest report to the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council on Monday. The report estimates that at least 702 civilians, including 224 women and 153 children, were killed from August 2025 up to January 31 during the regime’s election period, which included three phases of voting on Dec. 28, 2025, Jan. 11 and Jan. 25.
The U.N. report identified military airstrikes as the “single largest cause of destruction and suffering.” It documented at least 505 civilians—57 per cent of the total 702—were killed in attacks carried out by regime forces using jet fighters, drones, paramotors, and gyrocopters. DVB has documented at least 1,012 deaths and 2,102 injuries in 1,347 aerial attacks from August 2025 up to January.
Under the Election Protection Law, enacted on July 29, the regime
charged 269 individuals, arrested 84, and convicted nine. At least 22,225 political prisoners have been locked up since the 2021 coup and are still in detention, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). The U.N. called on the regime in Naypyidaw to release political prisoners and to end to violence against civilians. Read more
Spring Revolution film ‘RAY’ premieres in Australia
A new Burmese language film withe English subtitles called ‘RAY’ (120 mins) premiered in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday. The film shares the true story of Htar Htet Htet, 36, a Myanmar actress who began her career in 2014–one year after winning the Miss Popular Award at the Miss Grand International 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand.
“This film represents the hopes, struggles, courage and resilience of millions of people,” said Htar Htet Htet. “We wanted audiences to connect with the human side of what is happening in Myanmar,” she added. Following the 2021 coup, Htar Htet Htet joined the anti-coup protests until they were violently suppressed by regime forces.
“This is not just one person’s story,” The Khit Nay, a Myanmar filmmaker living in Melbourne who directed ‘RAY’, told DVB. “[It] is a ray of hope for everyone fighting for democracy.” The Khit Nay added that ‘RAY’ will be screened at the Palace Cinemas Moore Park, in Sydney on June 27 and in Melbourne and Perth on June 28. Read more
News by Region
KACHIN—A resident of Hpakant Township was found dead on Monday after going missing during a flood-triggered landslide on Sunday, residents told DVB. Hpakant is located 94-158 miles (151-254 km) west and northwest of the state capital Myitkyina and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) headquarters of Laiza.
A Hpakant resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity that the man, identified as Yu Hlaing, was killed after the landslide crushed his home. Nearly 1,000 Hpakant residents have had flood water enter their homes after the Uru Creek broke its banks due to continuous rainfall since June 20, the resident added.
MANDALAY—Four members of the People’s Defence Force (PDF), under National Unity Government (NUG) command, were killed by landmines allegedly planted by a local armed resistance group called the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at “abandoned” camps in Myingyan District on Monday.
The PLA claimed that the PDF “raided” an unspecified number of its camps in Myingyan on June 22, after it withdrew “to avoid tensions.” Myingyan, located 69 miles (111 km) southwest of Mandalay, has been partially controlled by various resistance forces, including the PDF and PLA, since May 2025.
YANGON—The regime’s regional Minister for Electricity, Energy, Industry and Transport Myo Thaw said that the Yangon-Dala Bridge extended its operating hours from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., on Monday. The bridge, also known as the Myanmar–Korea Friendship Bridge, opened on Feb. 6.
A regime Yangon Region lawmaker representing Dala Township, named Swe Swe Win, told Myo Thaw that Dala residents need emergency access to Yangon’s hospitals. Myo Thaw added that the bridge’s extended operating hours would also allow authorities to monitor vehicles entering Yangon.
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