The State of Freedom of Expression in Myanmar: December 2025

Executive Summary

In December 2025, the military held the first phase of a sham election, which they are portraying as their political exit strategy. To ensure the election proceeded, they continued to cut communication to block the flow of information and suppressed freedom of expression. Townships included in the first phase of the election remain cut off from communication networks to this day. By utilizing the Election Protection Law, the military restricted and banned freedom of expression and shaped the flow of independent news to suit their agenda. This report is a monitoring, documentation, and analysis by the ‘Athan’ organization regarding detailed incidents related to freedom of expression that occurred during December 2025.

Restrictions on Freedom of Expression

During December, while the first phase of the Myanmar military’s sham election was being held and preparations for the second phase were underway, the public’s freedom of expression was even more strictly restricted and banned using the Election Protection Law. According to surveys collected by ‘Athan’, in the month of December alone, the military arrested twenty-five (25) civilians for exercising freedom of expression (specifically speaking out against voting) and for criticism. Among them, twelve (12) individuals were sentenced under the Election Protection Law.

Situation of Non-Violent Mass Movements

According to monitoring data, there were a total of 135 non-violent mass movements and peaceful protests by the public nationwide in December. These included 102 protests against the military, 10 guerrilla strikes, 22 public campaigns, and 1 labor strike.

Situation of Press Freedom

In December 2025, four individuals—freelance journalist Ko Nay Naw, BBC Media Action presenter Ma Htet Htet Khine, journalist U Sithu Aung Myint, and Ko Nyein Chan Wai—were released under amnesty.

However, freelance journalist Hsuat Rain Pan (aka) Swan was sentenced to an additional 10 years in prison by the Yangon Western District Court on December 2nd under Section 50(j) of the Counter-Terrorism Law. Hsuat Rain Pan had previously been sentenced to 3 years in prison on May 16, 2025, under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code.

Internet and Telecommunication Blackouts

According to data collected through the end of December, the total number of townships nationwide facing phone and internet blackouts has reached 130. Analyses suggest that the cutting of communication networks in Myanmar’s political and military conflict has shifted from a level of ordinary security control to a form of information warfare.

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