Junta’s Tightened Airport Controls Halt Dozens of Young Travelers

In a clear sign of intensifying authoritarian control, Myanmar’s military regime has dramatically increased security measures at Yangon International Airport, resulting in the detention of 50 young people attempting to leave the country within a single day. According to reports from Radio Free Asia, these actions come amid ongoing political turmoil following the February 2021 coup that ousted the civilian government. The crackdown specifically targets youth—many involved in pro-democracy activism—who are seeking to escape mounting repression and restrictions on their freedoms.

The heightened airport scrutiny includes rigorous identity verification and behavioral profiling aimed at identifying potential dissenters. Witnesses describe an atmosphere thick with intimidation as officials conduct exhaustive interrogations…