At a press conference in Belarus, military council leader Min Aung Hlaing made peculiar remarks about economic sanctions, claiming that sanctions would lead to stronger computer software development and increased competition. The Secretary of the Interim People’s Council of Myanmar (IPCM), U Toe Zaw Latt, analyzed these statements, noting that Min Aung Hlaing demonstrated a clear lack of understanding regarding international economic sanctions and made meaningless connections between sanctions and software development, showing his miscomprehension of basic economic concepts.
In Yangon, concerns have been raised about the organization of Hip Hop music events, including a 25th anniversary celebration, being led by Htet Yay Naing, son of Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo, who serves as the joint secretary of the military council and chief of the Anti-Corruption Commission. Revolutionary forces have issued warnings regarding these events, emphasizing that entertainment activities organized by family members of military council leaders during the ongoing struggle against military dictatorship show disregard for public sentiment and the current political situation in the country.
In a significant development, sixteen Myanmar youths who were arrested in Thailand and subsequently transferred to the military council’s custody managed to escape after being forcibly recruited as soldiers. Of these individuals, four were unfortunately recaptured by the military council, while twelve succeeded in their escape attempt. Two of the escapees have confirmed to have reached safety with the Myeik District People’s Defense Force. This incident highlights the military council’s ongoing practice of forced recruitment of young people into military service and demonstrates the lack of security guarantees for Myanmar citizens being returned from Thailand. The situation underscores the continuing human rights violations by the military council and the risks faced by Myanmar citizens who are forcibly repatriated from neighboring countries.
