A displaced man from Lashio, now living in Taunggyi Township, has been arrested and charged under the Myanmar military junta’s newly enacted Law on Protecting Elections from Disruption and Destruction, according to local sources.

The man, identified as Ko Nay Thwey, a motorcycle trader residing in Aye Tharyar Ward (1), is accused of operating a Facebook account under the name “Lashio Baegyi.” Police allege that he posted content critical of the election process.

He was charged at the Aye Tharyar police station under Section 23(a) of the law, which prohibits activities such as speeches, statements, organizing, or online posts deemed to disrupt the election. The law prescribes penalties of three to seven years in prison and fines, with harsher punishments—including life imprisonment or death—in cases linked to mass protests or casualties.

The case began after “Lashio Baegyi” posted on August 23 about a shooting and car theft incident in Lashio town, along with comments criticizing the election. Pro-military Telegram channels called for action, prompting security forces to investigate and arrest him. His phone was seized as evidence.

“This shows the military is monitoring even simple posts on Facebook. Now they are charging people under new laws that no one even knew about,” a Taunggyi resident told SHAN.

Ko Nay Thwey is the first person to be charged under the law since its enactment on July 29, 2025. His case is expected to proceed quickly.