One of at least 10 arrested business owners, Pyae Phyo Zaw, who’s three mobile phone shops were shut down, was punished by Myanmar’s military regime.

A local lawyer explained that although it is not forbidden under law, wage increases are seen as undermining the regime by making people believe that inflation is rising. The junta claims these acts incite unrest.

Critics have said it is a desperate attempt to control the narrative around the country’s economic collapse as it experiences soaring inflation, the Bangkok Posts reports.

An employee anonymously said: “We were very grateful for the salary increase, but now the shop is closed and I don’t get paid. Ordinary people like us are suffering from high prices, almost to the point of despair.”