Myanmar Junta Strips Celebrities of Citizenship in Crackdown

Singer Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein, Facebook

Myanmar’s military regime is intensifying its crackdown on dissent by revoking the citizenship of prominent actors, singers and artists, leaving many stateless and vulnerable in exile. Among those targeted is Zin Wine, a revered figure in Myanmar’s film industry, who fled to Thailand in 2022 and now lives in fear of deportation.

In June, Zin Wine was one of 13 cultural icons stripped of nationality under a clause in the 1982 Citizenship Law. The junta claims these individuals violated state laws and endangered national interests. Critics say the move is a deliberate attempt to silence opposition voices abroad and punish those who speak out.

Singer Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein, dubbed “Myanmar’s Lady Gaga,” was also targeted after her protest song went viral. She escaped the country under cover of night and now performs internationally to raise awareness and funds for displaced citizens. “If we are taken or hurt, it causes collective depression,” she said, highlighting the regime’s use of soft power suppression.

Actor Daung, another outspoken critic, lost his citizenship in 2022 and now travels on limited documents, fearing police scrutiny and lacking consular protection. The revocations have left many unable to work, study or move freely, violating international law, according to Human Rights Watch.

For Zin Wine, the loss is deeply personal. Separated from his sons in Australia, he awaits a humanitarian visa and hopes to reunite with family. “More than anything, I want the opportunity to stop living in fear,” he said.

The junta’s weaponisation of citizenship marks a chilling escalation in its efforts to dismantle Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement—one artist at a time.

-2025-09-23