The United Nations has raised serious concerns over escalating violence, repression and intimidation in Myanmar as the country moves toward military-controlled elections scheduled for December 28.

In a statement released Tuesday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said civilians are being threatened by both the ruling military authorities and armed groups opposing the junta, creating an atmosphere of fear incompatible with a credible vote.

“The military authorities in Myanmar must stop using brutal violence to force people to vote and end the arrest of individuals for expressing dissent,” Türk said, calling for an immediate halt to coercive election-related practices.

The UN Human Rights Office reported that dozens of people have been detained under an “election protection law” simply for exercising freedom of expression. Some cases have resulted in extreme sentences, including three young people in Yangon’s Hlaingthaya Township who were jailed for 42 to 49 years for hanging posters opposing the election.

Well-known figures from Myanmar’s film and entertainment industry have also been targeted. Film director Mike Tee, actor Kyaw Win Htut and comedian Ohn Daing were each sentenced to seven years in prison after criticizing a pro-election propaganda film. According to an Anadolu Agency report, rights advocates say such prosecutions are aimed at silencing influential voices and suppressing public opposition to the military-backed polls.

The UN office also documented threats against internally displaced people in several regions, including Mandalay, warning them to return to their hometowns to vote or face further attacks or the seizure of their homes. One displaced person told UN officials they were warned: “If you do not come back to vote, we will continue to bomb you.”

“Forcing displaced people to return under unsafe and involuntary conditions constitutes a human rights violation,” Türk said.

Armed groups opposing the military have also contributed to the climate of insecurity. In November, teachers were abducted and election offices in Yangon were bombed, leaving several election workers injured, the UN said.

“These elections are taking place amid widespread violence and repression,” Türk concluded, adding that conditions do not exist for freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly necessary for meaningful public participation.

BOB Post