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Myanmar lawyers face harassment, intimidation in junta courts: HRW

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that lawyers representing political detainees in Myanmar’s junta-run courts face harassment, intimidation, and even imprisonment. The junta has arrested tens of thousands in a widespread crackdown on dissent since seizing power over two years ago. The military is also accused of manipulating the legal system against opponents, including democracy icons Aung San Suu Kyi and Win Myint. The harassment is forcing many lawyers to cease accepting cases, exacerbating the crisis in the country’s justice system.

Spike in boats smuggling meth out of Myanmar: UN

Asian drug trafficking networks are using sea routes to smuggle methamphetamines from Myanmar, avoiding tighter land patrols. Ketamine production is also on the rise. The region’s most powerful trafficking networks operate with certainty they won’t be stopped. Authorities seized a record amount of ketamine in 2022. Organized crime groups are pushing meth and ketamine together to increase demand.

UN special envoy for Myanmar to step down: UN chief spokesman

The United Nations’ special envoy for Myanmar, Noeleen Heyzer, will be stepping down in June after an 18-month tenure marked by criticism from both the military junta and its opponents. The crisis in Myanmar, which began when the military seized power in February 2021, continues to escalate despite diplomatic efforts led by the UN and ASEAN. Heyzer’s departure comes as the search for a resolution and lasting peace in the country remains elusive.

Top Chinese intelligence official visits Myanmar for ‘cooperation’ talks

A top Chinese intelligence official has visited Myanmar to discuss military “cooperation” with the junta, Myanmar state media reported. This marks the first publicly reported visit by a military official from China since the 2021 coup. China has maintained ties with the regime, supplying arms and supporting ethnic rebel groups along the border.

Myanmar rapper arrested for criticism of junta

A rapper in Myanmar, Byu Har, known for criticizing the military junta, has been arrested on charges of spreading propaganda. In a Facebook video, he criticized the junta’s handling of power outages and compared it unfavorably to the previous civilian government. Byu Har’s arrest is part of the junta’s broader crackdown on dissent, which has seen the arrest of thousands of individuals, including artists and celebrities. The power blackouts have further exacerbated the economic hardship caused by the military coup.

Cyclone Mocha death toll reaches 145 in Myanmar

The death toll from Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar has reached 145, with most casualties being Rohingya refugees, according to the junta. The cyclone, with winds of 195km/h, devastated buildings and disrupted communications in Rakhine state, home to many displaced Rohingya. The United Nations World Food Programme stated that the cyclone has left about 800,000 people in need of emergency assistance.

OHCHR report highlights $1 Billion USD arms trade operating in UN member states, including Singapore, despite embargo

UN Special Rapporteur, Tom Andrews, reveals an ongoing billion-dollar arms trade to Myanmar’s military, implicating entities in UN member states, including Singapore. Despite claims of strict arms transfer regulations, Singapore is highlighted for its crucial role in facilitating these transactions, contrasting with Singaporean authorities’ assertions of adherence to international obligations. The conflicting narratives leave unanswered questions about Singapore’s arms embargo enforcement.

Cyclone Mocha death toll rises to 60 in Myanmar

The death toll from Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar has reached 60, with more expected as over 100 people are still missing. Villagers in affected areas, including Rohingya Muslim minority communities, are waiting for aid while trying to rebuild their homes. The cyclone, packing winds of up to 195 km/h, caused widespread destruction and disrupted communication in Rakhine state. The UN refugee office is investigating reports of casualties among Rohingya living in displacement camps, while neighbouring Bangladesh, home to Rohingya refugees, experienced minimal impact. The rising sea surface temperatures may have contributed to the cyclone’s intensity.

Myanmar port city cut off in Cyclone Mocha aftermath

Cyclone Mocha struck a major port city in Myanmar, cutting off tens of thousands of people from communication. The storm, the most powerful in the Bay of Bengal in over a decade, caused extensive damage in Myanmar and Bangladesh but spared Rohingya refugee camps. Efforts to assess the situation and provide relief were hampered by disrupted communication and infrastructure.

ASEAN at a ‘crossroad’ as Myanmar violence escalates

Southeast Asian nations are facing a critical moment as violence in Myanmar dominates discussions at a regional summit. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been leading diplomatic efforts to address the crisis, but the junta’s refusal to engage with opposition groups and the recent air strike that killed many people have increased pressure on ASEAN to take stronger action. Critics argue that ASEAN’s previous initiatives have been ineffective, and there are calls for the bloc to cut off the military’s cash flow and push for reform. The shooting incident targeting an ASEAN convoy in Myanmar further raises the urgency of addressing the situation. However, ASEAN’s limited authority and principles of consensus and non-interference have hindered its ability to take decisive action.