Military authorities have arrested several individuals associated with a nightclub in Mandalay for playing and dancing to ‘Buddham Saranam Gacchami,’ a Buddhist religious chant. The incident occurred at Cover Club, located at the corner of 36th Street and 53rd Street in Yemon Taung Ward, Maharaungmye Township, Mandalay Region, on July 31. The event was led by DJ Violet (also known as Khin Htwe Htwe Mon) and DJ manager Phyo Hein Ko Ko (also known as Min Htaik), along with Dice (also known as Nyan Lin Htet), who played the religious chant as dance music at the venue.
On September 11 at approximately 11:30 PM, security forces arrested DJ Violet and DJ manager Phyo Hein Ko Ko at their residence in Nanwingon Ward, Thingangyun Township, Yangon Region. Additionally, the club owner Thut Lwin Aung (also known as Myo Aung) and club manager Zin Su Ya were arrested at the Cover Club premises in Mandalay. The authorities conducted a search of the premises and seized DJ equipment and related items in the presence of witnesses. Following the arrests, the military council ordered the closure of the Cover Club establishment.
According to the military council’s announcement, all five individuals – DJ Violet (Khin Htwe Htwe Mon), DJ manager Phyo Hein Ko Ko (Min Htaik), Dice (Nyan Lin Htet), club owner Thut Lwin Aung (Myo Aung), and club manager Zin Su Ya – have been charged under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code for defaming the state. This incident represents another example of increasing restrictions on civilian freedoms and entertainment activities following the military takeover in Myanmar, demonstrating the continued suppression of public expression and entertainment rights under military rule. The case highlights the military council’s strict control over cultural and social activities, even extending to entertainment venues and music choices.
