UN mechanism accuses Myanmar junta of serious crimes ahead of planned elections

26 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

26 November 2025, Mrauk-U

The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) released a statement on Wednesday alleging that the military regime, which has announced elections by the end of next year, is committing serious international crimes in the run-up to the polls.

The IIMM said it has received an increasing number of reports of international crimes committed by the regime.

“The conduct of free and fair elections or the violation of a country’s constitution are not crimes within the IIMM’s mandate. The IIMM’s mandate includes war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. However, the IIMM has received worrying reports of election-related torture and incitement to fear among the population that may amount to crimes against humanity,” said Nicholas Koumjian, head of the IIMM.

The military regime, which enacted a law last July prescribing up to 20 years in prison or the death penalty for criticizing the election, has reportedly used the law to arrest scores of people, including children, according to the IIMM.

The statement also cites evidence gathered by the IIMM of arrests and imprisonment without due process for allegedly criticizing the election and distributing anti-election leaflets on social media.

The IIMM said it is also investigating reports that the military regime has increased airstrikes on civilian villages in areas it has lost.

“We want to make it clear to all parties that targeting civilians is a violation of the laws of war. Not only airstrikes that do not spare civilians, but also attacks on election participants, such as political candidates and vote-counting staff, may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. We are actively gathering evidence to bring these perpetrators to justice,” Koumjian said.

The IIMM also urged anyone with information regarding alleged war crimes by the military regime to come forward.

The regime plans to hold the first round of elections on December 28 and is attempting to retake lost territories to secure what it sees as its only political exit.

At the same time, as the regime seeks to expand the areas where voting will be held, it has increased airstrikes without distinguishing between military and civilian areas, blatantly committing war crimes.