Astrologer arrested after earthquake prediction sparks panic in Myanmar
- John Moe The, a TikTok astrologer, caused panic with his prediction of a new earthquake, leading to his arrest.
- His alarming claims were made shortly after a previous devastating earthquake in Myanmar.
- The incident raises concerns about misinformation and free expression in today's digital landscape.
In Myanmar, a viral TikTok video led to the arrest of John Moe The, an astrologer who predicted a significant earthquake. This prediction was made on April 9, 2025, just two weeks after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that resulted in the deaths of 3,500 people and caused widespread destruction, including the damage of ancient temples. John warned that an earthquake would strike every city in Myanmar on April 21, leading to panic as many residents, believing in his forecast, left their homes and camped outside in anticipation of the disaster. The arrest occurred on April 23, when authorities raided his home in Sagaing. The Ministry of Information claimed that John Moe The's actions involved making "false statements with the intention of causing public panic". His video garnered millions of views and reached a substantial audience, contributing to nationwide confusion and fear. Experts have stated that predicting earthquakes is impossible due to their complex nature, which raised concerns about the consequences of spreading such unverified information. This incident is reflective of a more significant issue regarding free expression in the digital age, particularly concerning how social media platforms can influence public behavior and state authorities' responses. Myanmar's government has taken measures against misinformation, having established a committee dedicated to cracking down on fake news and conducting media surveillance around the clock. The rapid response to John’s post illustrates the tension between individual expression and government regulation in an era where digital communication is pervasive. In addition to his earthquake prediction, John also purportedly prophesied other disasters and even suggested the likelihood of American airstrikes on Myanmar. His arrest draws a parallel to other incidents where astrologers faced legal action for making controversial predictions, such as a Turkish astrologer who was detained after forecasting the death of a political leader. Overall, the situation has highlighted the thin line between personal beliefs in astrology and the potential societal consequences that can arise from public declarations made in the digital realm.