Myanmar’s junta orders arrest of several celebrities

YANGON, Myanmar

Myanmar’s military government on Wednesday issued arrest warrants for seven people, mostly actors and singers, accusing them of supporting the growing anti-coup movement.

Police were reportedly looking for seven celebrities who have been campaigning for raising fund for the movement initiated by health workers and later joined by staff from several government departments.

The military said the celebrities have been charged under the section 505(b) of the country’s Penal Code for allegedly defaming the state. The charge, that carries a maximum two-year sentence, has been widely used to stifle political dissidents since the military takeover in the country on Feb.1.

Last week, the military government had issued arrest warrants on the same charge for another seven people, including Min Kon Naing, a political activist considered the country’s second most influential person after Aung San Suu Kyi.

The military junta also suspended some laws to allow the security forces to arrest citizens and search the private properties without approval from a court.

According to the UN, more than 350 people have been arrested since the military staged a coup on Feb.1, overthrowing the civilian government led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.