The former Minister of Information during President Thein Sein's tenure, Ye Htut, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on 29 November, after he was arrested for spreading "wrong information" on social media.

Ye Htut was sentenced under Section 505 (A) of the penal code, resulting in a three-year prison term, and Section 124 (D), leading to a seven-year prison term at his trial at Insein Prison Court

Under Section 124 (D), a person can face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison if they obstruct a government employee from executing their duties.

On 28 October, officials from Yangon Region’s Military Headquarters arrested Ye Htut. The arrest was prompted by his social media posts, where he is accused of spreading false information with the alleged intent of causing public fear.

Pro-junta Telegram channels had accused him of revealing a retired military officer’s address on social media. A case was officially lodged at Alone Police station, claiming that the content was designed to incite government employees to engage in illegal activities.

Ye Htut, 64, a notable figure and former high-ranking military officer, was Minister of Information from 2014 to 2016 and presidential spokesman from 2013 to 2016 during then-President Thein Sein’s quasi-civilian government, which handed power to Aung San Suu Kyi following the 2015 elections.

Thein Sein's administration permitted some economic and social liberalisation -- including granting Suu Kyi's opposition party access to mainstream politics -- but was also in power during waves of deadly religious violence.

The charges against Ye Htut are rooted in his purported online articles and comments on social media. He was particularly active on Facebook in the wake of the 2021 military coup.

He had earned the moniker "the Facebook Minister” whilst Minister of Information due to his frequent posting on the social media network.

Following his retirement he remained active on the platform, sharing details about his travels. He last posted on 27 October during a trip to Inle Lake, a popular spot for tourists.

In recent months the military, who have faced armed resistance since seizing power in a 2021 coup, have detained a number of trade and commerce officials as the conflict batters Myanmar's already struggling economy.

Last month two allies of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing were jailed for twenty years each for corruption and abuse of power.

Mizzima and AFP