Myanmar Military Regime Restricts Christmas, Targets Christians

Restrictions on Christmas Celebrations

• 🎄 The military government in Myanmar is forbidding churches from holding Christmas services after December 19th, effectively canceling Christmas Day celebrations.
• ⚠️ This restriction is presented as being related to upcoming elections on December 28th, but is viewed as another instance of religious freedom violations.

Ongoing Religious Freedom Violations

• ⛪ Christians in Myanmar have faced numerous religious freedom and human rights violations, including the burning of churches and imprisonment of pastors.
• ⛓️ The military council has a history of cracking down on religious freedom, and this new order is not an isolated incident.

Fear and Repression

• 😨 Sources indicate that Christians are very afraid and upset by the mandate, fearing severe penalties for disobedience.
• 🌑 In affected states, an internet blackout is in effect, increasing fear that the military could act with impunity, with no public awareness.
• 🎯 Christians in ethnic minority states like Kachin, Karen, and Chin, which are predominantly Christian, have been targeted for years.

Broader Human Rights Abuses

• 🏛️ Myanmar has been under military rule since a coup in February 2021, with the army tightening its grip on power.
• 💔 The military has also been accused of restricting aid to earthquake-affected communities and siphoning off resources for their own benefit.
• 💥 Civilian targets, including hospitals and churches, have been bombed, which is against the laws of war.

Calls for International Action

• 🌍 The international community is urged not to recognize the upcoming elections, as they are neither free nor fair.
• ⚖️ There is a call to push forward a case before the criminal court against the commander-in-chief for prosecution.
• 🆘 Humanitarian agencies need access to provide aid to the people of Myanmar, who have been subjected to terror for years.