Myanmar - February 2023

The Junta extended the country’s state of emergency by six months, claiming that the “country remains in an abnormal situation and time is needed to prepare for a peaceful and stable election.” The Junta also extended martial law in 37 townships across the country. Rights groups are warning the announcement could foretell a possible increase in arbitrary arrests, torture and executions by Myanmar’s military regime as martial law puts police, judicial and administrative activities in the townships under the regional military’s control.

Sources: Voice of America (1), Reuters, Radio Free Asia, Voice of America (2), The Irrawaddy