UN Myanmar Investigators Monitor Reports of Imminent Executions, According to Reuters

A United Nations investigation team focused on Myanmar is closely monitoring reports suggesting that executions in the country may be imminent, according to its leader. The chief warned that such actions could amount to crimes against humanity.

Established in 2018 to analyze evidence of severe violations of international law, the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar indicated it had received information about several individuals sentenced to death through closed trials last year, who may soon face execution.

The military government in Myanmar, which operates with a high level of secrecy, has not made any public announcements concerning potential executions and has not responded to inquiries about the matter.

Details regarding the specific cases or identities of those possibly facing execution have not been disclosed by the organization. Nicholas Koumjian, the head of the Geneva-based Mechanism, stated that imposing a death sentence or detaining individuals based on proceedings that do not meet the fundamental requirements of a fair trial could be considered crimes against humanity or war crimes. He emphasized that the Mechanism is actively monitoring and gathering information related to these cases and others involving the death penalty under potentially unfair trial conditions.

The junta faced extensive backlash in 2022 following the execution of four democracy activists accused of supporting actions by a resistance movement. These events marked the first executions in Myanmar in decades. During that time, the military justified the executions as “justice for the people” and dismissed the widespread international condemnation, including from neighboring countries, asserting that due process was followed and that those executed were not activists but individuals guilty of serious crimes.

Myanmar is currently entangled in a civil war, pitting the military against resistance forces that have allied with established ethnic minority rebels, significantly challenging the military’s authority. In an apparent effort to silence opponents and bolster recruitment amid escalating conflict, the military government has intensified killings and arrests, resulting in tens of thousands of detentions since the coup in 2021. A recent U.N. report indicated that at least 1,853 individuals, including 88 children, have died in custody since the coup.

Reports from various sources suggest that anti-junta activists may be the primary targets for execution; however, this information has not been independently verified.