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Military violations of free expression timeline

01 February 2021

Day-long internet shutdown starts

Internet monitors see widespread internet shutdowns starting at 3am, following orders issued by the MOTC.

01 February 2021
01 February 2021

Military begins detaining opposition politicians

Senior leadership of NLD detained nationwide.

01 February 2021
01 February 2021

Military begins detaining influential people

Influential artists like Saw Phoe Khwar, monks like Sayadaw U Ariyawuntha, and activists like Mya Aye detained nationwide.

01 February 2021
01 February 2021

Military TV declares state of emergency

Announcement claims emergency under constitution article 417 and says legislative, administrative and judicial powers transferred to military.

01 February 2021
03 February 2021

Military blocks Facebook

MoTC ordered all ISPs, mobile service providers, and international gateway managers to block access to Facebook.

03 February 2021
04 February 2021

First protesters arrested

In Mandalay, four protestors against the coup d’état were arrested.

04 February 2021
05 February 2021

Statement by Myanmar human rights organisations on Myanmar coup

FEM leads Myanmar human rights organisations in condemning the military coup in the strongest terms.

FEM logo English and Myanmar

05 February 2021
05 February 2021

Military blocks Twitter and Instagram

Orders to block Twitter and Instagram.

05 February 2021
05 February 2021

First protesters charged and appear in court

The four protester were prosecuted under article 19 assembly law, and article 25 Natural Disaster Management Law.

05 February 2021
06 February 2021

Large protest in Yangon

Thousands of unionised workers marched to Hledan.

06 February 2021
06 February 2021

Military shuts down internet for weekend

Telecoms start shutting down internet access at 10am on Saturday as protests grow, and the shutdown continues until Sunday 2pm.

06 February 2021
08 February 2021

New report: Myanmar Protesters Toolkit

FEM launched the tool kit for protesters after a week of coup.

08 February 2021
08 February 2021

Five media licenses revoked

Military revoked the media licences of independent outlets, Mizzima, Myanmar Now, 7-Day, DVB and Khit Thit Media.

08 February 2021
08 February 2021

Military tries to block VPNs

VPN blocks are intended to stop people from using VPNs to access blocked websites like Facebook.

08 February 2021
08 February 2021

Curfew starts in Kalay 8pm-4am

Order bans assemblies of 5 or more people and starts nighttime curfew in Kale Township, Sagaing Region.

08 February 2021
09 February 2021

First protester shot and killed

Ma Mya Thwe Thwe Khaing was shot in the head in Naypyitaw and died 10 days later. 2 others were killed the day before (Ko Na Pwar and Ko Tuu Aung) but the motivations for their killings were unclear.

09 February 2021
09 February 2021

Military shares draft cyber security bill

Bill is shared with telecoms on 9 February and asks for any feedback by 15 February.

09 February 2021
09 February 2021

Police officer supports protesters

Myeik police officer speaks at demonstration and is then immediately detained.

09 February 2021
11 February 2021

CSO statement on so-called “Cyber Security Bill”

CSOs including FEM reject the “Cyber Security Bill” drafted by military.

11 February 2021
12 February 2021

UN issues statement criticising internet shutdowns

Statement calls for immediate lifting of internet restrictions.

12 February 2021
13 February 2021

Military blocks 30 websites

Websites include media outlets and Covid-19 information.

13 February 2021
13 February 2021

Administration law amended to allow surveillance

Ward or Village Tract Administration Law is illegitimately amended to enable the military to monitor people’s movements.

13 February 2021
13 February 2021

Privacy law suspended to remove protections

Articles 5, 7, 8 of the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of the Citizens illegitimately suspended to allow the military to invade people’s privacy.

13 February 2021
14 February 2021

6 risks from Myanmar’s draft Cyber Security Law

This analysis outlines 6 serious risks posed by the Myanmar military’s draft “Cyber Security Law”.

14 February 2021
14 February 2021

Speech crimes added to Penal Code

Penal Code is illegitimately amended to increase criminal punishments and add new crimes, including for “false news” and other speech crimes.

14 February 2021
14 February 2021

Criminal procedure amended to prevent bail

Illegitimate Law Amending the Code of Criminal Procedure makes offences including article 124c, 124d, 505A non-bailable and subject to arrest without warrant.

14 February 2021
14 February 2021

First journalists arrested in protest crackdown

Police and military start crackdown in Myitkyina and arrest journalists for the first time since the coup started.

14 February 2021
15 February 2021

Law amendment increases digital crimes

Illegitimate Law Amending the Electronic Transaction Law adopted by the military to increase potential digital crimes and enable online privacy invasion.

15 February 2021
15 February 2021

Digital curfew starts

Internet shutdown starts at 1am until 9am.

15 February 2021
18 February 2021

Wikipedia blocked

Military starts blocking all language editions of the popular website.

18 February 2021
19 February 2021

Myanmar civil society says new “laws” unconstitutional

State of emergency was unconstitutional and therefore illegal, and any laws or amendments are subsequently illegal.

19 February 2021
03 March 2021

8 protesters detained

Ma Ei Ei Moe, Ko Sitt Naing, Ko Thuta Soe, Ko Aung Phone Maw, Ko Lay Pyay Soe Moe, Ko Phoe Htet Naung and Ko Wai Yan Phoe Moe were detained at a protest in Tamwe, Yangon, and were subjected to tortured while under interrogation.

03 March 2021
12 March 2021

Statement by Myanmar CSOs on UN silence

Representatives of Myanmar civil society organisations including FEM, are seriously concerned by the silence of the United Nations in Myanmar and urge its leaders to speak out and take action.

12 March 2021
12 March 2021

6 journalists arrested

They were arrested and charged for reporting on protests.

12 March 2021
04 May 2021

Military bans satellite television

Military banned satellite dishes claiming that they were a national security threat. Sentences of 1 year imprisonment or a fine of 500,000 MMK.

04 May 2021
20 July 2021

3 journalists arrested

The editor-in-chief of the news agency, Ma Mya Wun Yan, Nan Khin Phone Thwel and Ma Su Myat Noe were arrested at their home in Kangyi Ward.

20 July 2021
26 July 2021

Report: Secret State of Myanmar

FEM’s report completed just days before the military’s coup is based on a nationwide assessment of access to information from government sources.

26 July 2021
28 July 2021

Stop the sale of surveillance tech

CSOs including FEM and independent experts are alarmed at the media revelations that NSO Group’s spyware has been used to facilitate human rights violations around the world on a massive scale.

28 July 2021
10 August 2021

5 activists jump off tall building to escape military

2 of the young activists died in the fall and the others were injured badly and then detained.

10 August 2021
12 August 2021

Experts tell Telenor to stop the sale

45 organisations expert in responsible telecoms operations worldwide have written to Telenor urging it to stop their rash sale to the controversial company M1 Group.

12 August 2021
17 August 2021

Oversight Board overrules Facebook deletion of Myanmar “hate speech” post

FEM earlier sent a submission to the Facebook Oversight Board on “hate speech”.

17 August 2021
20 August 2021

Regional internet shutdowns start in Kachin

Mobile operator of MPT and Telenor were cut in 8pm, and all other telecom operators and wifi internet connectivities were cut later 11pm. According to the locals’ answers, only phone call were allowed.

20 August 2021
10 September 2021

Curfew declared in Kokang

Order says no travel between 9pm and 5 am, and no gatherings of more than 5 people in public places.

10 September 2021
14 September 2021

Regional internet and voice shutdowns in Sagaing

Military cut data and voice connections while violently cracking down on area.

14 September 2021
14 September 2021

6 spontaneous protesters arrested

At least one of the student activists received a serious injury during interrogation and all received long prison sentences.

14 September 2021
23 September 2021

Regional internet shutdowns in Magway and Chin

Internet cut off in Thantlang, Phalan, Tedim, Matupi, Kanpetlet, Paletwa and Mindat of Chin State, and Kant Kaw, Hteelin and Myaing of Magway Region.

23 September 2021
25 September 2021

More internet and voice shutdowns in Sagaing

Shutdown in Kawlinn, Wuntho, Pinlebu while military launched offensive attacks by on ground and by air.

25 September 2021
26 September 2021

Journalist from Shwe Phee Myay News Agency arrested

Lway M Phuong was arrested by military in Lashio, Shan State.

26 September 2021
08 October 2021

Foreigner denied a translator in court

Naypyitaw court ordered that a Burmese-English translator would not be allowed in the upcoming prosecution of NLD advisor, Professor Sean Turnell.

08 October 2021
11 October 2021

Night-time curfew starts in Myitkyina

Military order bans gatherings over 5 persons, and establishes a night-time curfew.

11 October 2021
15 October 2021

Suu Kyi’s lawyer banned from speaking to media

Military banned Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s lawyer, U Khin Maung Zaw from talking to media, CSOs, or foreign organisations.died Suu Kyi’s second lawyer, U Kyi Win was banned a week later.

15 October 2021
18 October 2021

Military amends history law

Civil society suspicious about military’s illegitimate amendment of the Historical Commission Law.

18 October 2021
22 October 2021

Journalist arrested

Ko Myo Min Tun was sent for interrogation at south-west military base.

22 October 2021
23 October 2021

Activist Ko Jimmy arrested

Ko Jimmy was arrested violently by military 8 months after warrant issued.

23 October 2021
01 November 2021

Broadcasting law amended to add media crimes

A new legal amendment returns media “crimes” and imprisonment to Myanmar and seeks to further control internet media.

01 November 2021
05 November 2021

Former reporter arrested for poem

Ya Wai Maung was arrested under the Penal Code for a poem about the military burning down houses in Thantlang Township.

05 November 2021
12 November 2021

Regional internet shutdowns in Rakhine

Shutdowns due to increases in military crackdown.

12 November 2021
12 November 2021

Journalist Danny Fenster sentenced to 11 years

Danny Fenster was sentenced for 11 years in total. He was deported 3 days later.

12 November 2021
18 November 2021

MP and musician Phyoe Zayar Thaw arrested

He was arrested during a military raid in Yangon. His elder sister was arrested also the day after.

18 November 2021
05 December 2021

Military car rams protesters

3 people were injured including 2 journalists. Ma Mue Yadanar Khet Moh Moh Htun’s injuries were serious.

05 December 2021
08 December 2021

Military announces significant data price increase

As military order, service providers raised the prices of internet data almost double. For the changes, 1000 MMK can buy only 500mb instead of 950mb in previous days.

08 December 2021
11 December 2021

DVB journalist beaten and arrested

Ko Aung San Linn was beaten and arrested by around 20 soldiers.

11 December 2021
16 December 2021

Journalist from Bago Weekly Journal sentenced to 3 years

Ko Nyein Chan Wai was arrested on May 14 by 40 soldiers in Bago.

16 December 2021
16 December 2021

Influential former student leader sentenced to 3 years

Former ABSFU leader, Ko Ka Htay Aung sentenced to 3 years imprisonment under 505 (a). He was arrested on 23 May.

16 December 2021
19 December 2021

Freelance journalist arrested

Ko Phoe Thar was on his way to report on a protest.

19 December 2021
27 December 2021

Model sentenced to prison with hard labour

Model and actor Paing Takhon was sentenced to 3 years in prison with hard labour. He was arrest in April for involving in protests.

27 December 2021
28 December 2021

Journalist from Pyapon Township charged

Ko Myo San Soe was arrested on 29 August and charged under Article 50 (a) and 52 (a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.

28 December 2021
28 December 2021

Monk sentenced to prison for defamation

Shwe Nya Wa Sayadawgyi Ashin Pyinya Thiha was sentenced to 2 years in prison under Penal Code 505(b).

28 December 2021
29 December 2021

Vice president of ABSFU sentenced to 2 years

Ko Wai Yan Phyo Moe was arrested in Tamwe Township on 3 March at cracked down protest organised by the General Strike Committee and student unions.

29 December 2021
04 January 2022

30 activists arrested in Tanintharyi

The activists were just from 1 university in 1 month, and similar situations may be happening in other universities.

04 January 2022
06 January 2022

Military brought lawsuit against Western News Agency

The Rakhine-based outlet faced a lawsuit under the Penal Code for a story about the condition of a military base.

06 January 2022
06 January 2022

SIM card tax increased significantly

SIM cards commercial tax increases in price from 1,500 MMK to 20,000 MMK. Telcos taxed 15%.

06 January 2022
13 January 2022

Military circulates draft cyber bill for consultation

Circulated only to businesses and telcos with a deadline of 28 January. FEM and others reject the new draconian draft.

13 January 2022
17 January 2022

Journalist rammed by car is charged

Yadanar Khet Moh Moh Htun was rammed by a military car and instead of being helped was then arrested.

17 January 2022
21 January 2022

Activists sentenced to execution

Ko Jimmy and Ko Phyo Zayar Thaw were sentenced to death.

21 January 2022
25 January 2022

People and businesses warned not to join silent strikes

Military threatens to prosecute them under Counter-Terrorism Law.

25 January 2022
26 January 2022

Internet access worsens in Karenni State

People have to go up mountains to connect in refugee camps.

26 January 2022
26 January 2022

Military checks devices for VPN

Devices are confiscated if VPNs are found

26 January 2022
27 January 2022

Military’s cyber security bill worse than their previous draft

FEM says new draft Cyber Security Law repeats the repressive provisions of previous drafts and adds more, seriously threatening the safety and security of Myanmar’s digital space.

27 January 2022
31 January 2022

Report: 505A Act of revenge

FEM’s report summarises a year of monitoring the military’s prosecution of speech crimes. It documents just one element of the military’s campaign of attacks on the right to freedom of expression, namely the use of the vaguely written Penal Code Articles 505 and 505A.

31 January 2022
07 February 2022

Hpakant passes 6 months without internet

Hpakant is in Kachin State and has seen violent military crackdowns.

07 February 2022
07 February 2022

Scale of telco surveillance revealed

Telenor announces that the military has made over 200 demands for private information since the coup started. Each request may have included lists of hundreds of Telenor customers.

07 February 2022
08 February 2022

Regional internet shutdown in Chin reaches 100 days

State-owned telcos used to provide internet access but their towers have now run out of fuel too due to conflict.

08 February 2022
11 February 2022

Civil society urges Telenor to protect data

Demands also included stopping the sale to a military-linked buyer.

11 February 2022
11 February 2022

Religious leaders need permission to teach

Leaders in Magway must get permission to give sermons or to perform.

11 February 2022
12 February 2022

Internet shutdown in Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw

Random internet shutdowns continue across the country.

12 February 2022
16 February 2022

Telenor sale potentially illegal under Norwegian law

FEM says Telenor’s sale of its Myanmar operations may be illegal under the Norwegian Sanctions Act and European Council Regulation No. 401/2013.

16 February 2022
22 February 2022

Mobile phones seized by military

Military soldiers grabbed devices and confiscated them.

22 February 2022
23 February 2022

INGO staff arrested

Ko Hlaing Myo Aung, an INGO staff member of Lutheran World Federation Myanmar (LWF) was arrested and charged under Penal Code.

23 February 2022
28 February 2022

UN review of internet shutdowns including Myanmar

FEM has submitted a report to the UN documenting how the Myanmar government and military have arbitrarily shutdown and slowed down access to the internet over the past three years.

28 February 2022
28 February 2022

Union leader sentenced to another 3 years

Vice president of ABSFU, Ko Wai Yan Phyo Moe has been sentenced to total of 5 years and 3 months.

28 February 2022
02 March 2022

Military hunts opposition via money transfers

Activists raising money via Wave Money mobile transfers stop after some are arrested by investigating military.

02 March 2022
04 March 2022

Military confiscates citizenship of opposition leaders

9 people including NUG ministers and political activists.

04 March 2022
07 March 2022

Review of post-coup CSO funding submitted to UN

FEM has submitted a report to the UN documenting the post-coup funding of CSOs in Myanmar.

07 March 2022
11 March 2022

Activist receives further 8 years sentence

Former ABSFU leader, Ko Ka Htay Aung now serving a total of 11 years.

11 March 2022
12 March 2022

Editor sentenced to 2 years and given more charges

Editor of Kamayut Media, Han Thar Nyein was sentenced to 2 years with hard labor under Penal Code. He was also charged under the Electronic Transactions Law.

12 March 2022
18 March 2022

Military authorises Telenor sale to M1 Group

Sale allowed but only if M1 Group sells 80% of shares in new owner to military allied domestic company.

18 March 2022
22 March 2022

Media worker sentenced to 2 years

Mandalay Free Press employee, Ko Aung Zaw Zaw was sentenced under the Penal Code.

22 March 2022
23 March 2022

Tortured protest leader sentenced to life

Ko Ye Htet Aung was tortured in interrogation and can no longer hear from 1 ear. He was sentenced under the Counter-Terrorism Law.

23 March 2022
23 March 2022

Journalist sentenced to 2 years under Penal Code

Ko Ye Yint Htun of Myanmar Than Daw Sint was arrested in February 2021 in Pathein while he was taking photographs.

23 March 2022
30 March 2022

Freelance journalists sentenced to 18 months

Ko Zaw Win Maung and Ko Naung Yoe were both sentenced under the Penal Code.

30 March 2022
05 April 2022

Military revokes licence of book publisher

Shwe Lat’s licence was revoked after printing a book called My Possessive Step Brother. The military claimed that it was pornography.

05 April 2022
05 April 2022

Channel Mandalay TV journalist sentenced to 5 years

Chief reporter, Ko Win Naing Oo was arrested in Sintgaing in September 2021.

05 April 2022
07 April 2022

MIlitary revokes publisher’s licence

Yan Aung and Win Toe Aung re-published a book about Buddhism originally released in 1958.

07 April 2022
08 April 2022

Military orders telcos to block any opposition websites or pages

Military sent letter to International Gateway (IGW) threatening undefined punishment if not carried out.

08 April 2022
12 April 2022

Seriously ill imprisoned student denied treatment

Student Union member, Ma Wutyee Aung was sentenced to 3 years under the Penal Code and has not been allowed to seek treatment for a brain issue.

12 April 2022
24 April 2022

Telcos ask subscribers to re-register their details

Telenor buyer, M1 Group asks customers to re-submit their identifying information for all SIM cards or be banned.

24 April 2022
27 April 2022

NLD lawyer arrested

Daw Ywat Nu Aung was acting in cases of NLD members including arrested ministers.

27 April 2022
12 May 2022

Military announces registration of device IMEI numbers

All devices such as phones need to be registered and pay a USD 3 tax. Military says registration system will be ready shortly.

12 May 2022
15 May 2022

Military cuts off internet before raiding villages

Villages in Magway were later burned down.

15 May 2022
16 May 2022

People’s Defence Force Facebook attacked

From Zero to Hero page was hacked.

16 May 2022
26 May 2022

NLD lawyer charged as terrorist

Daw Ywat Nu Aung was charged under Counter-Terrorism Law after a month of interrogation.

26 May 2022
11 June 2022

Military installing Chinese facial recognition in CCTV

So-called Smart Cities being set up in Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Sitwe, Dawei, Mawlamyine, and Taunggyi with mass-surveillance CCTV.

11 June 2022
13 June 2022

Recommendations to protect mass movements submitted to UN

FEM has submitted a report on the experiences of Myanmar to the UN which is conducting a review of “social movements”.

13 June 2022
02 July 2022

Disabled Singer sentenced to 3 years with hard labor

Paing Thet Kyaw was sentenced under the Counter-Terrorism Law.

02 July 2022
07 July 2022

DVB journalist sentenced to 7 years

Ko Aung San Linn was sentenced under the Penal Code and Counter-Terrorism Law.

07 July 2022
12 July 2022

UN submission on military propaganda and disinformation

FEM has submitted a report to the UN regarding the military’s use of propaganda, disinformation, media censorship, and internet restrictions to incite conflict.

12 July 2022
20 July 2022

Last foreign telco announces sale

Ooredoo awaits approval from the military to sell to a local military-aligned company.

20 July 2022
24 July 2022

Internet shutdowns reach 10 months

Shutdowns in Gantgaw, Hteelin, Kyauk Htu, Kyauk Saw townships hide military crackdowns.

24 July 2022
25 July 2022

4 activists executed by military

Ko Jimmy, Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, Ko Hla Myo Aung, and Ko Thura Zaw were hanged by the military in the first death penalty to be carried out in decades.

25 July 2022
25 July 2022

Extrajudicial killings of dissidents a war crime with serious chilling effect

FEM shares its condolences and condemns the military’s extrajudicial killing of four dissidents in what likely amounts to a war crime.

25 July 2022
26 July 2022

ASEAN condemns 4 executions

Unusually ASEAN condemns executions of activists, joining the UN and many other countries.

26 July 2022
27 July 2022

Military supporters attack home of executed activist

Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw’s parents home was surrounded by violent supporters of the military.

27 July 2022
27 July 2022

Military supporter’s car rams opposition protest

Youth protesters were rammed while protesting against the coup.

27 July 2022
28 July 2022

72 political prisoners with death sentences

A CSO announced that there were 72 political prisoners facing potential execution.

28 July 2022
29 July 2022

Ooredoo sale risk to digital rights in Myanmar.

FEM urges Ooredoo to conduct heightened due diligence before deciding whether to sell or who to sell to

29 July 2022
29 July 2022

Journalist imprisoned for terrorism

Ko Maung Myo was sentenced to 6 years. Ma Nyein Nyein Aye was also sentenced to 3 years. 140 journalists have been detained since the coup started.

29 July 2022
30 July 2022

Japanese filmmaker arrested

Toru Kubota was arrested in Yangon while he was making a documentary at a protest.

30 July 2022
30 July 2022

Military kills photographer after arrest

U Aye Kyaw was detained and his body was later found in the street.

30 July 2022
30 July 2022

NLD supporters report being tortured

Military supporters tortured and killed NLD supporters in Magway.

30 July 2022
01 August 2022

Protest leader arrested in clinic 

Around 20 soldiers arrested the unnamed leader while he was at a clinic being treated.

01 August 2022
01 August 2022

Military amend Counter-Terrorism Law

Military illegitimately amended the law to increase imprisonment for people supporting the opposition NLD.

01 August 2022
02 August 2022

Political prisoners start hunger strikes

Hunger strikes start in Yangon’s notorious Insein prison.

02 August 2022
02 August 2022

Internet shutdown in Sagaing reaches 5 months

Internet connection had been shutdown in Indaw which has seen protests and military crackdown.

02 August 2022
04 August 2022

Singer sentenced to 3 years

Vocalist Ei Toe was imprisoned under Penal Code 505A.

04 August 2022
05 August 2022

Military charges 2 outspoken models

Thin Zar Wint Kyaw and Nan Mwe San charged under Electronic Transactions Law for insulting “Myanmar culture” after posting sexual imagery online.

05 August 2022
10 August 2022

Journalist sentenced to 2 years

Ko Myo Min Tun was arrested in October 2021 but his case was processed slowly.

10 August 2022
11 August 2022

Media uses SMS to share stories

Ayeyarwaddy Times announced that it will publish news via SMS because of the internet shutdown.

11 August 2022
13 August 2022

63 famous people face terrorism law

Police announce that 63 celebrities will be prosecuted for supporting the NUG.

13 August 2022
14 August 2022

Famous activist sentenced to 10 years

Monywa protest leader, Wai Moe Naing sentenced under the Penal Code with further charges under other laws.

14 August 2022
14 August 2022

Military bans parties from meeting foreigners

Political parties including the NLD banned from meeting foreign people or foreign or international organisations.

14 August 2022
15 August 2022

Joint letter to Ooredoo calling for due diligence in any sale

FEM and partners have written to the CEO of Ooredoo global to urge the company to conduct human rights due diligence on any potential sale, vet any potential buyers, safeguard users, and engage with stakeholders.

15 August 2022
15 August 2022

BBC journalist arrested

BBC presenter Ma Htet Htet Khaing was arrested together with journalist U Si Thu Aung Myint.

15 August 2022
16 August 2022

New legal advice and support for people prosecuted for their free expression

FEM is launching a legal support hotline for those being prosecuted for exercising their right to freedom of expression.

16 August 2022
17 August 2022

Military creating alternative to Facebook

Military says that they are building a news social media platform for Myanmar only.

17 August 2022
17 August 2022

Banks ordered to secretly record transfers

Military tells banks to track mobile money transfers including via CCTV.

17 August 2022
17 August 2022

“How many dead bodies does the UN need to take action?”

Protesters hold a banner urging UN and its representative, Noeleen Heyzer to finally take some action against the military.

17 August 2022
19 August 2022

Journalist’s wife sentenced to 10 years

Ma Wai Wai Lwin who is married to Ko Nyein Chan Wai was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment under the Counter-Terrorism Law possibly to punish her husband.

19 August 2022
20 August 2022

Internet shutdown reaches 1 year in Hpakant

Hpakant in Kachin is the longest internet shutdown in Myanmar since the previous NLD government shutdown internet in Rakhine.

20 August 2022
22 August 2022

Publisher loses licence for publishing “porn”

Clover Book House banned allegedly for publishing pornography.

22 August 2022
24 August 2022

Ayeyarwaddy Times former photojournalist sentenced to 3 years

Ko Zaw Zaw was arrested in April 2022 and sent for interrogation.

24 August 2022
24 August 2022

Trade Unions disappearing

International organisation, ILO warns the world that trade unions are disappearing in Myanmar.

24 August 2022
25 August 2022

Umbrella protester and photographer arrested

Unnamed activist and photographer, Ko Sitt Min Naing was arrested and tortured after a famous umbrella strike to mark the 34th anniversary of the 1988 pro-democracy uprising.

25 August 2022
27 August 2022

Military says old books are against democracy

Military claims that some books published under the NLD government were actually anti-democratic and led to social division.

27 August 2022
28 August 2022

Military arrests 20 striking public servants

20 public servants participating in the civil disobedience movement were detained.

28 August 2022
28 August 2022

Civil society criticises military human rights commission

52 CSOs call for the military-controlled National Human Rights Commission to be abolished.

28 August 2022
29 August 2022

Record number of women political prisoners

CSO announces that the number of women political prisoners was the highest ever in the country.

29 August 2022
30 August 2022

Striking school teacher sentenced to 7 years

Ma Thae Su Naing’s leg was badly broken when she was arrested.

30 August 2022
31 August 2022

Outspoken doctor imprisoned as terrorist

U Kyaw Kyaw Thet was sentenced to another 7 year under the Counter-Terrorism Law after previously receiving 3 years under the Penal Code.

31 August 2022
02 September 2022

Former British Ambassador gets 1 year imprisonment

Ms Vicky Bowman is convicted of breaching Myanmar’s immigration laws by not changing her visa address. Her husband is convicted for abetting her.

02 September 2022
02 September 2022

Military announces replacing YouTube with its own MTube

YouTube has hosted many media and civil society videos of the military’s actions.

02 September 2022
03 September 2022

16 media outlets and 4 publishers have lost licence

CSO report identifies the total number of outlets banned.

03 September 2022
03 September 2022

Activist sentenced to 3 years under Penal Code

ABFSU member, Ko Aung Naing Thu was arrested in May 2021 and also took part in the Oo Bo Prison hunger strike.

03 September 2022
05 September 2022

“UN: Prove your existence for justice”

Banner hung outside the UN offices in Yangon.

05 September 2022
05 September 2022

Military detains comedian

Ko Kyaw Zan Wai (aka) Yin Sot was arrested for sharing on Facebook a rap song called Exodus that criticises military.

05 September 2022
07 September 2022

Tortured political prisoner dies in prison

Ko Aung Zaw Oo died after being imprisoned in 2021 and sentenced under the Counter-Terrorism Law. He was reportedly tortured.

07 September 2022
07 September 2022

Russian state TV signs agreement with military TV

Sputnik News Agency signed the cooperation agreement with Myawady TV.

07 September 2022
09 September 2022

Military propagandist represents Myanmar at regional media meeting

Aye Chan, the son of a former navy chief, represented military-controlled Myanmar Press Council at a regional event, explaining that the media was responsible for “false news” and propaganda.

09 September 2022
09 September 2022

Striker’s father sentenced for helping son

Father of a striking police officer was charged under the Counter-Terrorism Law for not helping the military catch his son.

09 September 2022
10 September 2022

Woman political prisoner raises awareness of sexual abuse

Former prisoner explains how military is using sexual violence against women prisoners.

10 September 2022
11 September 2022

Political prisoners must pay bribes for leniency

Reports that political prisoners are being asked for between 5 to 30 million MMK.

11 September 2022
11 September 2022

5 political prisoners escape jail

The 5 broke out of Pakokku prison.

11 September 2022
14 September 2022

Political prisoners put in chains in solitary confinement

At least 30 political prisoners treated extremely badly while in Magway prison.

14 September 2022
14 September 2022

27 youth arrested for protesting

The large group of protesters were detained in Yangon.

14 September 2022
14 September 2022

Thai broadcaster helping spread military propaganda

Propaganda aims at attracting tourists back into Myanmar.

14 September 2022
15 September 2022

BBC journalist imprisoned for incitement

Journalist Ma Htet Htet Khine received 3 years imprisonment under 1 charge, with at least 1 more charge to be judged.

15 September 2022
16 September 2022

Male journalist reports on sexual violence experienced in prison

Frontier Myanmar journalist, Ko Ye Mon explains his experience after being detained at Yangon airport.

16 September 2022
17 September 2022

Political prisoner denied medical help dies

Another political prisoner dies in Obo prison after staff refuse to help with accessing medical care.

17 September 2022
19 September 2022

Unregistered SIM cards to be cancelled

Remaining balances to be transferred to the military-controlled state.

19 September 2022
20 September 2022

Smallest donation to opposition will be punished by jail

MIlitary warns supporters of NUG, CRPH, or PDF.

20 September 2022
21 September 2022

Publisher’s licence revoked for book on Buddhism

Thanlwin printing house and Nyan Alinn literature banned for published a book titled “Solving Wrong Buddhism, Vol. 6”.

21 September 2022
21 September 2022

Military threatens Rakhine media

Military claimed that Rakhine media outlets are creating public panic.

21 September 2022
21 September 2022

Prison punishes political prisoners for sleeping

4 political prisoners were tortured by prison staff for being sleepy while they were supposed to be praying.

21 September 2022
21 September 2022

14-year-old arrested in 2021 dies in prison

Ko Khant Thurein was arrested in 2021 and sent to prison. The military ordered his family to bury his body in secret.

21 September 2022
21 September 2022

Military supporters claim opposition bombed school

Military propaganda trying to avoid blame for war crime.

21 September 2022
22 September 2022

Former Miss Myanmar detained in Bangkok airport

Anti-coup protester, Ma Thaw Nandar Aung was detained on the way back to Thailand from Vietnam and threatened with deportation to Myanmar. Canada offered her asylum.

22 September 2022
22 September 2022

Military tries to ban opposition game apps

Mobile game apps were being sold online to generate income for PDFs.

22 September 2022
22 September 2022

Military promoting communal hatred in Rakhine

Leaflets trying to encourage conflict between local Buddhist and Muslim communities.

22 September 2022
27 September 2022

Model sentenced to 6 years

Nan Mwe San was sentenced under the Electronic Transactions Law.

27 September 2022
28 September 2022

Military orchestrated an “information coup”

As the world marks International Day for Universal Access to Information, the people of Myanmar face propaganda, disinformation, and secrecy under the military’s “information coup”.

28 September 2022
28 September 2022

Union leader sentenced to 2 years

Vice President of ABFSU, Ko Wai Yan Phyo Moe was arrested in a protest and faced torture. He currently has sentences totalling 7 years.

28 September 2022
28 September 2022

Military reminds broadcasters of censorship board

Military tells broadcasters that any films and television series, including foreign productions, must be approved by the ministry.

28 September 2022
28 September 2022

6 protesters including LGBT leader arrested

The arrested include the president of CSO, LGBT Union Mandalay.

28 September 2022
04 October 2022

17-year-old girl imprisoned for protest

Ma Poe Zar Aung was arrested on 16 March and was reportedly tortured in interrogation.

04 October 2022
06 October 2022

Japanese filmmaker sentenced to 7 years

Toru Kubota was sentenced under the Electronic Transactions Law.

06 October 2022
07 October 2022

Striking teacher sentenced to five years

Daw Soe Mya Mya was sentenced under Counter-Terrorism Law.

07 October 2022
07 October 2022

Narinjara editor charged

U Khaing Myat Kyaw was charged under the Telecommunications Law and Penal Code.

07 October 2022
07 October 2022

Journalist sentenced to 3 years

U Sithu Aung Myint still faces at least 3 more charges under Penal Code.

07 October 2022
11 October 2022

Military threatens soldiers to vote in election

Military leaders order rank and file to vote in election or face punishment.

11 October 2022
12 October 2022

Japanese filmmaker gets further 3 years

Toru Kubota received a further 3 years imprisonment for immigration violations following 7 years already sentenced.

12 October 2022
13 October 2022

Military investigates mobile money transfers

Military established an investigation team consisting of military intelligence, Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Bureau of Special Investigation, and Central Bank.

13 October 2022
14 October 2022

Teacher sentenced to 3 more years

Daw Thet Su Hlaing was arrested in October 2021 and previously sentenced to 5 years under Counter-Terrorism Law.

14 October 2022
14 October 2022

Military announces lawsuit against Irrawaddy

The Irrawaddy reported that the military opened fire at a Buddhist pagoda.

14 October 2022
15 October 2022

6 political prisoners tortured in solitary confinement

Other political prisoners are doing hunger strikes in protest.

15 October 2022
17 October 2022

Central Bank threatens anyone trading currency on Facebook

Military-controlled Central Bank announced that they were already trying to bring lawsuits against the owners of 2 facebook pages.

17 October 2022
18 October 2022

Military tells courts to speed up political trials

The military has ordered courts to complete all political cases by the end of December 2022.

18 October 2022
18 October 2022

Myanmar’s internet freedom declines to one of world’s worst

Myanmar’s internet freedom has drastically declined for the second year in a row, and the country is now one the world’s worst with digital rights violations similar to neighbouring China.

18 October 2022
19 October 2022

LGBT activist arrested in Yangon

Ko Zin Wai Linn joins over 90 LGBT people who have been arrested since the coup started, as well as more than 17 killed.

19 October 2022
20 October 2022

Political prisoner dies in suspicious circumstances

U San Aye was arrested for taking part in protests and faced charges under the Counter-Terrorism Law.

20 October 2022
20 October 2022

Protest leader gets another 4 years

Ko Wai Moe Naing received another sentence and is now facing a total of 14 years.

20 October 2022
25 October 2022

Military tells staff to self-censor

Leaders instructed staff not to write political opinions on social media, not to post anything critical of the military, and not to post images in departmental uniforms.

25 October 2022
26 October 2022

Military revoked Irrawaddy’s media licence

The effective ban was announced on the military’s own TV channel.

26 October 2022
28 October 2022

Military claims 953 Facebook users arrested

Arrests for Facebook posts and comments were made since the beginning of 2022.

28 October 2022
29 October 2022

Minority languages downgraded

A new illegitimate law amendment would require only Burmese to be used in classrooms, banning minority languages.

29 October 2022
02 November 2022

Political prisoners mark executions

Political prisoners at Insein prison were tortured after staging a 3-month remembrance for 4 executed activists.

02 November 2022
03 November 2022

Orphanage confiscated by military

The orphanage was closed and staff arrested and the military left a banner saying that the property was seized because of a connection with the PDF.

03 November 2022
04 November 2022

Military adopts new association law

The illegitimate new law requires civil society organisations to register with the military-controlled State or face imprisonment.

04 November 2022
05 November 2022

Soldiers ordered to help spread propaganda

The military’s secret order was given to all soldiers and their families to follow.

05 November 2022
09 November 2022

Military tells property agents to inform

Military released a directive for property agents and brokers to share information about buyers, sellers, and renters.

09 November 2022
14 November 2022

Atom telco tells customers to re-register

The military-affiliated business group formerly Telenor Myanmar notified customers to register again providing formal identifying information.

14 November 2022
15 November 2022

Striking nurse tortured and killed

The Mandalay health workers community confirmed that Daw Poe Thandar Aung was killed. She was arrested in October 2022 for giving the PDF medicine.

15 November 2022
15 November 2022

Peace activist and singer rearrested

Saw Phoe Khwar was released and rearrested immediately.

15 November 2022
22 November 2022

2 journalists arrested in military press conference

1 of the journalists was arrested after mentioning Aung San Suu Kyi. The second asked about ongoing conflict.

22 November 2022
25 November 2022

Journalist sentenced to another 2 years

U Sithu Aung Myint was sentenced under the Penal Code again, now totalling 5 years. He still faces at least 1 more Penal Code charge.

25 November 2022
25 November 2022

Remembering 300 women and girls silenced forever by coup 

FEM marks “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women”.

FEM logo English and Myanmar

25 November 2022
28 November 2022

235 arrested and 71 killed for striking

CSO report outlines those punished for participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement.

28 November 2022
30 November 2022

Former journalist sentenced to 15 years

Former Delta News Agency journalist, Ko Myo San Soe was arrested in August 2021 and sentenced under the Counter-Terrorism Law.

30 November 2022
01 December 2022

Student arrested for TikTok politics

Unnamed 11th grade student was arrested after she published videos on politics.

01 December 2022
05 December 2022

Labour rights activist sentenced to 2 years

U Thet Hnin Aung was arrested in June 2021.

05 December 2022
06 December 2022

Journalist sentenced to 15 years

Ko Myo San Soe was a journalists in Pyapon township and was arrested on 29 August 2021.

06 December 2022
06 December 2022

Woman lawyer arrested leaving court

Daw San San Yi was handling political cases in Shew Bo and Kanbalu Township in Sagaing.

06 December 2022
09 December 2022

817 arrested for posts supporting opposition

Military media announced that they were arrested or prosecuted for posting support for NUG, CRPH and PDFs on social media between January and November 2022.

09 December 2022
09 December 2022

Journalist sentenced to another 7 years, 12 in total

U Si Thu Aung Myint was arrested in August 2021 along with BBC journalist Ma Htet Htet Khaing and has been sentenced multiple time under the Penal Code.

09 December 2022
13 December 2022

LGBT activist sentenced to 25 years

Ma Sue Sha Shin Thant was sentenced to a further 3 years under the Penal Code and now faces 25 years in prison.

13 December 2022
14 December 2022

Myanmar worst for jailing journalists

China, Myanmar, and Iran imprisoned the most journalists in the world in 2022.

14 December 2022
21 December 2022

9 youths sentenced to 3 years each

9 youths including 2 journalists were arrested at a protest and sentenced under the Penal Code. Journalist Yadanak Thak Mo Mo Htun has one more case left to face.

21 December 2022
22 December 2022

Woman arrested for posting military rally

20-year-old woman captioned the Tiktok video by implying the soldiers and their supporters were dogs.

22 December 2022
23 December 2022

Model and actor sentenced to 5 years

Thinzar Wint Kyaw was sentenced under the Electronic Transactions Law.

23 December 2022
23 December 2022

Legal aid lawyer sentenced to 2 years

U San Lwin was arrested a year previously for participating in protests.

23 December 2022
23 December 2022

Military orders infiltration of CSOs

The military ordered spies to infiltrate CSOs to be able to manipulate them in future.

23 December 2022
23 December 2022

CCTV used to arrest opposition

Military admits they are actively using CCTV to hunt protesters and opposition forces.

23 December 2022
25 December 2022

Chief editor of Kanbawza Times arrested

Military issued an warrant for U Kyaw Zaya in 2021. He was arrested after living in hiding.

25 December 2022
26 December 2022

Kamarut Media editor sentenced to 5 years

Editor-in-Chief, U Han Tha Nyein was arrested in 2021 and previously sentenced to 2 years.

26 December 2022
27 December 2022

Students’ Union member sentenced to 15 years

U Aung Kyaw Khant was a nursing student who participated in protests.

27 December 2022
27 December 2022

Military plans pre-election census in Yangon

The military said that it would collect demographic data to help with their illegitimate election.

27 December 2022
27 December 2022

Striking professor arrested in a trap

Military arrested Dr Win Khaing by pretending to be her patients.

27 December 2022
29 December 2022

Doctor arrested for giving opposition medical care

Dr Myint Moe Kyaw joined strikes in Kalaymyo hospital.

29 December 2022
30 December 2022

Students sentenced to 10 years

Protesting students, Ma Nan Twe Tar Oo and Ma Aye Thwe Kabyar were each sentenced under the Counter-Terrorism Law.

30 December 2022
30 December 2022

Journalist sentenced to life imprisonment

Ko Kyaw Aung was arrested while returning from reporting.

30 December 2022
30 December 2022

TikTok user arrested for video

Ko Phoe Thae called soldiers outside his home “barking dogs”.

30 December 2022
30 December 2022

Journalist sentenced to 6 years

Freelance journalist, Ko Nay Naw was sentenced under the Penal Code and Counter-Terrorism Law.

30 December 2022
31 December 2022

Journalist sentenced to 10 years

Freelance journalist, Ko Thurein Kyaw was beaten by strangers while reporting on an event supporting military, and then arrested the next day.

31 December 2022
31 December 2022

44th street jumper sentenced to 12 years

Journalism student, Ko Thiha Kaung Sat was sentenced after he and 4 others jumped from a building to escape the military.

31 December 2022
04 January 2023

Doctor re-arrested upon release

Dr Min Htet Paing was previously arrested in 2021 for writing negative comments on social media. He was released for Independence Day but immediately detained again.

04 January 2023
06 January 2023

Primary school teacher sentenced to death

U Kaung Khant Kyaw was the first school teacher sentenced to death since the coup started.

06 January 2023
06 January 2023

60 political prisoners tortured

1 was killed. The political prisoners were objecting to a gallow being built in Pathein Prison.

06 January 2023
07 January 2023

Imprisoned and tortured activist’s wife arrested

Activist, Ko Win Tun Naing’s wife, Ma Sandar Aye was arrested and sent to interrogation. Ko Win Tun Naing was tortured during Pathein Prison objections to a gallow being built.

07 January 2023
10 January 2023

Prison punishes political prisoners more

Pathein Prison officials further abuse political prisoners by shaving hair, confiscating personal belongings, and reducing food.

10 January 2023
15 January 2023

4 arrested for asking why household lists being collected

The four people were accused of supporting the National Unity Government.

15 January 2023
26 January 2023

Military adopts new political parties registration law

The law includes significant restrictions.

26 January 2023
01 February 2023

Silent strike marks 2 years of coup

Entire country marks 2 years with a nationwide silent strike to demonstrate ongoing objection to the coup.

01 February 2023
03 February 2023

Timeline of free expression violations launched

FEM marks two years of the coup by publishing a digital timeline documenting many of the military’s worst violations of the right to freedom of expression.

03 February 2023