The Myanmar junta has arrested the former information minister of President Thein Sein’s government, and he has been charged with Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code.

The Military Council announced that Ye Htut, a retired lieutenant colonel, was detained on 28 October evening for spreading “fake news” and “incitement” against the military.

He is reportedly being detained in Insein prison in Yangon.

A source close to Insein prison told Mizzima: “We heard U Ye Htut was arrested, but do not know where he is being kept.”

Ye Htut had close relations with political and media groups as an information minister under the Thein Sein government 2011-15.

After the military coup in February 2021, he expressed his criticism on social media about the mismanagement and poor administration of the Military Council.

Regarding his arrest, former military officer Captain Zin Yaw, who has joined the civil disobedience movement, said: “Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing appeared to lose his patience with the confrontation of the former minister. The coup leader would not excuse anybody who mocks him.”

Pro-junta supporters threatened him on Telegram channels with possible arrest as he exposed the address of a retired military officer in a recent comment under his social media.

Ye Htut earned the moniker "the Facebook Minister" at the time for his frequent posting on the social media network, which was among the country's most popular.

Following his retirement, he remained active on the platform, sharing details about his travels.

He last posted on 27 October during a trip to Inle Lake, a popular spot for tourists.