Christians in Myanmar are facing increasing persecution as the country’s military regime tightens its grip following the 2021 coup.

Despite controlling only parts of the country geographically, the military has consolidated political power, including dominating parliament after widely criticized elections. Human rights advocates say the regime has continued a pattern of violence against civilians, with religious minorities among the most vulnerable.

Salai Maung Taing San, a prominent Christian leader known as Dr. Sasa, described severe abuses in recent interviews, including violence against civilians, destruction of churches, and systemic discrimination against members of the Chin ethnic group, many of whom are Christian.

He said Christians in affected regions are often denied access to basic services such as education and healthcare, effectively treating them as second-class citizens. In some cases, attacks on churches go undocumented because many congregations are not officially registered with authorities.

Since the coup, thousands of civilians have reportedly been killed, and tens of thousands arrested, including political leaders such as Aung San Suu Kyi. Millions more have been displaced, creating a widespread humanitarian crisis across the country.

Dr. Sasa, now affiliated with the opposition National Unity Government, recounted fleeing violence on the day of the coup, describing scenes of military forces occupying streets and destroying infrastructure.

International watchdog groups say conditions have deteriorated significantly for Christians since the military takeover. Churches have reportedly been bombed, villages destroyed, and believers caught in ongoing conflict zones, particularly in ethnic minority regions.

Myanmar also remains a predominantly Buddhist nation, and social pressures can compound official persecution. Christians have reported being forced to participate in Buddhist practices, denied identification documents, and restricted from openly sharing their faith.

As the conflict continues, humanitarian groups warn that the situation for Christians and other minorities in Myanmar is likely to worsen without international intervention or a political resolution.