Myanmar Approves Death Penalty for Online Scam Crimes

Myanmar's military-backed parliament approved a new law on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, authorizing the death penalty for the most serious offenses linked to online scam operations, including cases involving violent coercion, torture, and deaths. The legislation, known as the Anti-Online Scam Bill, is the first law enacted under the country's new government led by President Min Aung Hlaing.

The bill was passed during a joint parliamentary session in the capital, Naypyidaw, with its passage announced by Speaker Aung Lin Dwe in a live television broadcast. Lawmaker Aye Chan confirmed that the final version retained the death penalty provision, stating there were not many significant changes from a draft published in May. That draft outlined punishments ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment, with capital punishment mandated for scam-related offenses that result in a victim's death. It also prescribed life imprisonment as the maximum sentence for operating an online scam center or committing cryptocurrency fraud.

The move represents a notable shift for Min Aung Hlaing's administration. In April, shortly after assuming the civilian presidency following tightly controlled elections,...