The military council forces arrested pro-military lobbyist Zaw Bhone Hein in Pyin Oo Lwin on June 2 in the afternoon. The primary reason for his arrest stems from his criticism and verbal attacks against Min Aung Hlaing and other high-ranking military officials. A case has been filed against him under Section 66(D) of the Telecommunications Law at the Dagon Myothit (South) Township Police Station. The case was filed on May 5 by Daw Moe Moe Khaing, a supporter of the military and the Ma Ba Tha organization. Zaw Bhone Hein had continued to criticize military officials through his Telegram channel.
According to police sources, the charges against Zaw Bhone Hein include not only violations of the Telecommunications Law but also illegal timber trading, weapons possession, and unlicensed vehicle trading. While he had previously been arrested and released through negotiations in the past, police sources suggest that securing his release through negotiation this time may be more difficult due to the multiple charges filed against him. A police source commented that the numerous charges make it unlikely for him to be released through negotiation as in previous instances.
Prior to his arrest, Zaw Bhone Hein had traveled to Monywa’s Northwest Military Command headquarters along with other pro-military lobbyists Kyaw Soe Oo and Thazin Oo, and had also visited Sagaing and Mandalay. Some members of the Yangon-based Ma Ba Tha organization are reportedly attempting to negotiate with the military for his release, though these efforts have not yet yielded results. The military council has not yet issued any official statement regarding Zaw Bhone Hein’s detention and the charges against him.
