Geneva [Switzerland], December 24: Violence is on the rise in war-torn Myanmar ahead of planned "military-controlled" elections in the country later this week, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on Tuesday.
"The military authorities in Myanmar must stop using brutal violence to compel people to vote, and stop arresting people for expressing any dissenting views," Volker Türk said in a statement.
Civilians are also facing threats from armed rebel groups opposing the election set to take place on Sunday, Türk said.
Myanmar has been mired in violence and chaos since a military coup in February 2021 that ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize.
UN special rapporteur for Myanmar, Tom Andrews, has described the election as neither free nor fair.
Three youths were sentenced to prison terms of 42 to 49 years after attempting to put up election posters near the port city of Yangon, Türk reported.
"These elections are clearly taking place in an environment of violence and repression," Türk said. "There are no conditions for the exercise of the rights of freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly that allow for the free and meaningful participation of the people." A director, an actor and a comedian were sentenced to several years in prison for criticizing an election propaganda film made by the junta, according to the UN.
People displaced by fighting were threatened and told to return to their villages and cast their votes, Türk said.
Rebel groups have also been resorting to violence, with nine female teachers temporarily abducted on their way to an election campaign event and told not to take part in the vote.
Source: Qatar Tribune