The detained chief minister of the Mandalay Region government is being unfairly prosecuted with criminal charges, instead of under the electoral laws, as he is being accused of electoral fraud in the 2020 general election, said his lawyer.

He remarked that the junta was likely filing criminal charges against Chief Minister Dr Zaw Myint Maung as it is too late to impose electoral charges.

“The chief minister was charged with a criminal case. But it is not in due course for the electoral law. It is unfair for my client,” said a lawyer of the legal team for Dr Zaw Myint Maung.

He was also charged with Sections 171 and 130 (a) of the Criminal Law, with a minimum of six months imprisonment to 12 months maximum.

Dr Zaw Myint Maung now faces a total of 10 charges, including one charge for incitement, two charges of violating COVID-19 restrictions and five charges under the Anti-Corruption Law.

The trial for these charges is scheduled to take place at a special court of Ohebo prison in Mandalay on 1 December, and his legal team has not received the copies of the case.

Senior leaders of National League for Democracy party, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, faced additional charges of electoral fraud on 15 November.

A total of 16 persons who were charged with breaking electoral laws including President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Chief Minister of Mandalay Region government Dr Zaw Myint Maung, Chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council Area Dr Myo Aung, Union Government Minister Min Thu, Chairman of Union Election Commission Hla Thein, its members Myint Naing and Than Htay.