Myanmar approves death sentence for cyberscam offences
Myanmar's military-backed government has passed an 'Anti-Online Scam Bill' that introduces the death penalty for those involved in coercing victims into online scam operations. This legislation is the first passed by the current administration since the 2021 coup.
Why it matters
The law attempts to address the proliferation of human trafficking and cybercrime in Myanmar, though it remains controversial due to the regime's human rights record.
Myanmar's military-backed parliament approved a law on Tuesday (July 28, 2026) that authorises capital punishment for those who detain or violently coerce victims into working in online scam centres, the speaker said.
The "Anti-Online Scam Bill" was passed after MPs approved changes to a draft bill at a combined meeting of the lower and upper houses Tuesday morning in the capital Naypyidaw, Union Parliament Speaker Aung Lin Dwe said during a live television broadcast.
Lower house MP Aye Chan confirmed to AFP that the death sentence remained in the approved version of the law.
"There were not many significant changes to the proposed draft bill after discussions between the lower house and upper house. The important parts of the bill remained the same," Aye Chan said.
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