2024 06 20 FCCT Defiance and dissent Role of military defectors in post coup Myanmar

In the violent aftermath of the Feb. 1, 2021, military coup in Myanmar, thousands of military and police -- disillusioned or angered by the ruthless suppression of protestors -- left the security forces, either fleeing the country or going into hiding. Today, more than 15,000 personnel, including nearly 5,000 military members, have joined the resistance or civil disobedience movement, either in passive protest or to actively help resistance forces, according to monitoring groups.
Key organisations such as People’s Goal, People’s Embrace and Blooming Padauk have provided advice and support for so-called CDM soldiers -- also known as defectors -- and their families.
What is the future for military defectors in post-coup Myanmar, and what roles are they playing in the resistance movement and in pressuring the military regime? As the junta steadily loses territory to resistance forces amid escalating atrocities against civilians, questions grow about the military’s post-coup role and transitional justice.
In “CDM Soldiers,” a powerful short documentary about Burmese military defectors, journalist Toe Zaw Latt and filmmaker Sai Kyaw Khaing highlight some striking personal stories including a woman sergeant who left her post at military headquarters in Yangon, an army doctor and a military engineer.
On this evening, the filmmakers will present their 23-minute documentary and will be joined online for a discussion and Q&A by several “CDM soldiers” and People’s Goal executive member, Thinzar Shunlei Yi.
Speakers include:
(Maj.) Naung Yo, executive member, People’s Goal and army defector.
(Sgt-Clerk.) Yin Lae Lae Htun, army defector.
(Capt.) Htet Myat, defector and founder, Breaking Brainwash, defector support group.
Thinzar Shunlei Yi, executive member, People’s Goal.
Toe Zaw Latt, filmmaker and secretary, Independent Press Council of Myanmar.
Moderator: Gwen Robinson, FCCT past president.