The code was enacted on 1 May 1861 during British rule in Burma and is divided into 23 chapters.
[3] Sections 505(a) and 505(b) of the Penal Code are commonly used against journalists, activists, and protestors.
[4][5] As of 30 April 2020, 8 of the 50 convicted political prisoners were serving sentences for violating one or both of said sections.
[5] In the aftermath of the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, the military junta amended section 505(a) to criminalise "fake news" and "incitement" against the military.
[4] Lawyers who represent activists and politicians have also been charged under section 505(a).