ZEYAR THAW

September 2025

Freedom fighters portraits

WHO IS ZEYAR THAW?

He rapped for freedom and was executed for it.

FROM MUSICIAN TO ACTIVIST

Born in Yangon in 1981, Zeyar Thaw founded ACID an influential Burmese hip-hop group.

In a country where political speech is controlled
He dared to rap what many feared to say.

He put in jeopardy his successful career to deliver his message

BEHIND BARS FOR HIS WORDS

In 2008, the junta silenced his voice so no one could hear it.

Sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for lyrics that told the truth.

Zeyar Thaw wasn’t jailed for violence, but for bold, defiant verses.

A VOICE THEY COULDN’T MUTE

Even behind bars, Zeyar Thaw stayed a menace to the regime.
Not with weapons, but with ideas.

Amnestied in 2011, he was elected MP alongside important figures like Aung San Suu Kyi.

Becoming a lawmaker during the short Myanmar’s democratic opening.

NO PLACE FOR DISSENT

In 2021, the military seized power.

Parliament fell.

Zeyar Thaw was hunted and arrested.

Tortured and sentenced to death in a secret trial.

STRONG TILL THE END

In 2022, he was executed.

Not for what he did but for refusing to be silent.