A 13-year-old Grade 9 student, Phyo Myat Aung, from Shwepyithar Township, Yangon Region, was arrested on November 27 by Myanmar military forces for allegedly insulting Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Local residents confirmed the arrest, stating that authorities are preparing to charge him under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code.
According to a local source, the arrest followed a TikTok video showing an image of Min Aung Hlaing placed under a shoe with derogatory comments. The video was uploaded by the teenager, leading to his detention.
“The authorities entered the school to arrest the child. The video showed Min Aung Hlaing’s image under a shoe with some insulting remarks, but there was no political commentary. He’s just a child and likely unaware of the political consequences,” the source explained.
Phyo Myat Aung is currently being held at the Shwepyithar Township Police Station, the source added.
The incident reportedly followed a post on military-backed Telegram channels, which disclosed the student’s school address and called for his arrest. Hours later, military forces entered the school and apprehended him.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), as of November 28, 2024, nearly 27,736 people, including 578 children, have been arrested nationwide since the military coup.
