Legal experts and activists have issued an urgent warning to those considering returning to Myanmar after the military junta dropped several high-profile political charges, cautioning that returnees may face immediate conscription into the armed forces.
A High Court lawyer in Yangon, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that while courts have ceased proceedings for individuals charged under political sections such as 505(a), 50(j), and 52(a), this apparent “political relaxation” could be a pretext for forced recruitment. “The military service law is still in effect,” the lawyer warned. “If people return because of these dropped charges, they remain at high risk of being called up for military service”.
The military junta has recently increased its efforts to close pending cases related to anti-coup activities, including charges for terrorism and incitement, in what observers view as an attempt to gain international legitimacy. Following the closure of 505(a) cases last November, the authorities recently announced the dismissal of cases under sections 50(j) and 52(a).
However, political activists remain deeply skeptical of the junta’s motives. “It is dangerous to believe this is a genuine relaxation,” one activist remarked, comparing the military’s behavior to a “rabid dog” that might appear calm but can bite at any moment. “They can find any excuse to arrest you or extort money”.
Many of those who fled the country to avoid arrest warrants say they have no intention of returning to life under military rule. A political activist currently sheltered in Chiang Mai expressed happiness for those released from prison but stated firmly that there were no plans to go back. “We left because we did not want to live under a dictatorship. We aren’t going back to that”.
While the junta has announced the release of numerous political prisoners under a recent amnesty, monitoring groups are still working to verify the actual number of people who have been freed and whether they face further restrictions. The warning from the legal community underscores a pervasive lack of trust in the military’s judicial system as the country remains embroiled in a widening civil conflict.
