Military violations of free expression timeline
Day-long internet shutdown starts
Internet monitors see widespread internet shutdowns starting at 3am, following orders issued by the MOTC.
Military begins detaining opposition politicians
Senior leadership of NLD detained nationwide.
Military begins detaining influential people
Influential artists like Saw Phoe Khwar, monks like Sayadaw U Ariyawuntha, and activists like Mya Aye detained nationwide.
Military TV declares state of emergency
Announcement claims emergency under constitution article 417 and says legislative, administrative and judicial powers transferred to military.
Military blocks Facebook
MoTC ordered all ISPs, mobile service providers, and international gateway managers to block access to Facebook.
First protesters arrested
In Mandalay, four protestors against the coup d’état were arrested.
Statement by Myanmar human rights organisations on Myanmar coup
FEM leads Myanmar human rights organisations in condemning the military coup in the strongest terms.
First protesters charged and appear in court
The four protester were prosecuted under article 19 assembly law, and article 25 Natural Disaster Management Law.
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.
New report: Myanmar Protesters Toolkit
FEM launched the tool kit for protesters after a week of coup.
Five media licenses revoked
Military revoked the media licences of independent outlets, Mizzima, Myanmar Now, 7-Day, DVB and Khit Thit Media.
Military tries to block VPNs
VPN blocks are intended to stop people from using VPNs to access blocked websites like Facebook.
Curfew starts in Kalay 8pm-4am
Order bans assemblies of 5 or more people and starts nighttime curfew in Kale Township, Sagaing Region.
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.
Military shares draft cyber security bill
Bill is shared with telecoms on 9 February and asks for any feedback by 15 February.
Police officer supports protesters
Myeik police officer speaks at demonstration and is then immediately detained.
CSO statement on so-called “Cyber Security Bill”
CSOs including FEM reject the “Cyber Security Bill” drafted by military.
UN issues statement criticising internet shutdowns
Statement calls for immediate lifting of internet restrictions.
Administration law amended to allow surveillance
Ward or Village Tract Administration Law is illegitimately amended to enable the military to monitor people’s movements.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
First journalists arrested in protest crackdown
Police and military start crackdown in Myitkyina and arrest journalists for the first time since the coup started.
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.
Wikipedia blocked
Military starts blocking all language editions of the popular website.
Myanmar civil society says new “laws” unconstitutional
State of emergency was unconstitutional and therefore illegal, and any laws or amendments are subsequently illegal.
Tens of thousands of protesters forced to disperse
Huge general strikes emerged nationwide as the day of ‘22222’.
First journalists charged
6 journalists detained on 27 February were charged under Penal Code.
Violent crackdown on Tamwe protests organized
More than 300 young people were arrested and many injured too.
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.
Journalist beaten and detained
Min Nyo, a DVB reporter covering protests was beaten and arrested.
Military’s violent threats spread on TikTok
Intimidating videos by military soldiers shared widely on Tiktok.
Military raid Kamayut Media and arrest 2
Chief editor Nay Than Maung and co-founder Han Thar Nyein were arrested.
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.
Military shuts down mobile data
Military surprisingly shutdown all mobile data nationwide, plunging most people into the dark.
Military shuts down public Wifi
Military shut down public Wi-Fi connections, in addition to the 32nd day of nightly internet curfew, and 4th day of mobile data shutdown.
17 protesters arrested
17 protesters arrested in a crackdown and were later charged under Penal Code 505A.
Military orders telcos to share information
Military ordered telcos to provide private customer addresses and information.
Military shuts down wireless broadband
Military ordered telcos to shut down wireless broadband internet services indefinitely (on 15th day of public wifi shutdown, 46th nightly internet curfew, 17th day of mobile data shutdown).
Military car rams influential protester
Protest leader, Wai Moe Naing was rammed off his motorbike by a military car and arrested.
Banking service apps unblocked
Banking applications and Microsoft Office 365 services unblocked.
Military revokes media licences
Myitkyina News Journal received an announced letter that it has been revoked on April 29th.
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.
Military creates committee for hate speech law
Order includes much broader political “crimes” and is another sign of the military’s intention to restrict freedom of expression in the long term.
Foreign journalist Danny Fenster arrested
Frontier’s managing editor was arrested at Yangon International Airport.
Whitelisting unblocks 1,200 websites
More than 1200 websites were unblocked but popular social media were not included.
Ayeyarwaddy Times journalist arrested
Aung Mya Than was arrested in Maubin Township and later tortured.
Military shuts down internet to block NUG announcement
Internet shutdown in Myanmar coinciding with National Unity Government NUG press conference live broadcast.
Telenor announces sale to M1 Group
Telenor sold its Myanmar operations to Lebanese investment firm M1 Group for $105 million.
Military announces significant data price increase
SAC directed telcos to increase prices. Telcos did not request increase.
Irrawaddy Times journalist re-arrested
Ko Aung Mya Than was re-arrested 10 days after being released from prison.
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.
Feminist lens on free expression
FEM submitted a report to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression. In 2019, FEM published the report Daring to Defy Myanmar’s Patriarchy.
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.
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.
Counter-terror law amended to increase punishments
Expanding the covered boundary of 52(a) of counter terrorism law for the situations of oppositions for coup.
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.
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.
Oversight Board overrules Facebook deletion of Myanmar “hate speech” post
FEM earlier sent a submission to the Facebook Oversight Board on “hate speech”.
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.
Genocide added to criminal law
Military add provision in preparation for defending case at the International Court of Justice.
Woman charged for posting NUG logo online
She is wife of a major also, and fled after being charged.
Curfew declared in Kokang
Order says no travel between 9pm and 5 am, and no gatherings of more than 5 people in public places.
7-year old arrested alongside journalist mother
Daughter of the editor of Thingangyun Post news agency, Ma Htet Htet was investigated in military interrogation for two days.
Regional internet and voice shutdowns in Sagaing
Military cut data and voice connections while violently cracking down on area.
6 spontaneous protesters arrested
At least one of the student activists received a serious injury during interrogation and all received long prison sentences.
Report: Freedom of the Net 2021
FEM’s report documents how internet freedom in Myanmar collapsed following the February 2021 military coup, marking the most severe decline ever documented in Freedom on the Net.
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.
More internet and voice shutdowns in Sagaing
Shutdown in Kawlinn, Wuntho, Pinlebu while military launched offensive attacks by on ground and by air.
Journalist from Shwe Phee Myay News Agency arrested
Lway M Phuong was arrested by military in Lashio, Shan State.
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.
Night-time curfew starts in Myitkyina
Military order bans gatherings over 5 persons, and establishes a night-time curfew.
Military amends history law
Civil society suspicious about military’s illegitimate amendment of the Historical Commission Law.
Journalist arrested
Ko Myo Min Tun was sent for interrogation at south-west military base.
Activist Ko Jimmy arrested
Ko Jimmy was arrested violently by military 8 months after warrant issued.
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.
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.
Regional internet shutdowns in Rakhine
Shutdowns due to increases in military crackdown.
Journalist Danny Fenster sentenced to 11 years
Danny Fenster was sentenced for 11 years in total. He was deported 3 days later.
Student activists sentenced to long prison terms
Ko Sithu Aung Tin received 10 years, Ma Thin Zar Zaw received 10 years, and Ko Aung Khant Min Htein received 3 years.
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.
Military car rams protesters
3 people were injured including 2 journalists. Ma Mue Yadanar Khet Moh Moh Htun’s injuries were serious.
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.
Marking Human Rights Day with silent strike
The Myanmar public will mark International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2021 with a massive nationwide silent strike.
DVB journalist beaten and arrested
Ko Aung San Linn was beaten and arrested by around 20 soldiers.
Journalist from Bago Weekly Journal sentenced to 3 years
Ko Nyein Chan Wai was arrested on May 14 by 40 soldiers in Bago.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
30 activists arrested in Tanintharyi
The activists were just from 1 university in 1 month, and similar situations may be happening in other universities.
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.
SIM card tax increased significantly
SIM cards commercial tax increases in price from 1,500 MMK to 20,000 MMK. Telcos taxed 15%.
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.
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.
Activists sentenced to execution
Ko Jimmy and Ko Phyo Zayar Thaw were sentenced to death.
People and businesses warned not to join silent strikes
Military threatens to prosecute them under Counter-Terrorism Law.
Internet access worsens in Karenni State
People have to go up mountains to connect in refugee camps.
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.
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.
Hpakant passes 6 months without internet
Hpakant is in Kachin State and has seen violent military crackdowns.
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.
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.
Civil society urges Telenor to protect data
Demands also included stopping the sale to a military-linked buyer.
Religious leaders need permission to teach
Leaders in Magway must get permission to give sermons or to perform.
Internet shutdown in Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw
Random internet shutdowns continue across the country.
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.
Mobile phones seized by military
Military soldiers grabbed devices and confiscated them.
INGO staff arrested
Ko Hlaing Myo Aung, an INGO staff member of Lutheran World Federation Myanmar (LWF) was arrested and charged under Penal Code.
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.
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.
Military hunts opposition via money transfers
Activists raising money via Wave Money mobile transfers stop after some are arrested by investigating military.
Military confiscates citizenship of opposition leaders
9 people including NUG ministers and political activists.
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.
Activist receives further 8 years sentence
Former ABSFU leader, Ko Ka Htay Aung now serving a total of 11 years.
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.
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.
Media worker sentenced to 2 years
Mandalay Free Press employee, Ko Aung Zaw Zaw was sentenced under the Penal Code.
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.
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.
US should use sanctions to stop Telenor sale after genocide recognition
FEM states that US recognition of genocide escalates the importance of stopping Telenor’s sale of surveillance technology to a suspected military front company that could use it to enable more atrocity crimes.
Journalist arrested under Penal Code
Freelance journalist, Ko Nay Naw (aka) Myo Naung Naung Zaw was arrested in Myawaddy Township.
Freelance journalists sentenced to 18 months
Ko Zaw Win Maung and Ko Naung Yoe were both sentenced under the Penal Code.
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.
Channel Mandalay TV journalist sentenced to 5 years
Chief reporter, Ko Win Naing Oo was arrested in Sintgaing in September 2021.
MIlitary revokes publisher’s licence
Yan Aung and Win Toe Aung re-published a book about Buddhism originally released in 1958.
Military orders telcos to block any opposition websites or pages
Military sent letter to International Gateway (IGW) threatening undefined punishment if not carried out.
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.
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.
NLD lawyer arrested
Daw Ywat Nu Aung was acting in cases of NLD members including arrested ministers.
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.
Military cuts off internet before raiding villages
Villages in Magway were later burned down.
NLD lawyer charged as terrorist
Daw Ywat Nu Aung was charged under Counter-Terrorism Law after a month of interrogation.
Lwin Oo publishing house’s licence revoked
The licence was revoked after the publisher distributed the book ‘Myanmar’s Rohingya Genocide’ online.
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.
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”.
Disabled Singer sentenced to 3 years with hard labor
Paing Thet Kyaw was sentenced under the Counter-Terrorism Law.
DVB journalist sentenced to 7 years
Ko Aung San Linn was sentenced under the Penal Code and Counter-Terrorism Law.
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.
Last foreign telco announces sale
Ooredoo awaits approval from the military to sell to a local military-aligned company.
Internet shutdowns reach 10 months
Shutdowns in Gantgaw, Hteelin, Kyauk Htu, Kyauk Saw townships hide military crackdowns.
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.
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.
ASEAN condemns 4 executions
Unusually ASEAN condemns executions of activists, joining the UN and many other countries.
Military supporters attack home of executed activist
Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw’s parents home was surrounded by violent supporters of the military.
Military supporter’s car rams opposition protest
Youth protesters were rammed while protesting against the coup.
72 political prisoners with death sentences
A CSO announced that there were 72 political prisoners facing potential execution.
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
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.
Japanese filmmaker arrested
Toru Kubota was arrested in Yangon while he was making a documentary at a protest.
Military kills photographer after arrest
U Aye Kyaw was detained and his body was later found in the street.
NLD supporters report being tortured
Military supporters tortured and killed NLD supporters in Magway.
Protest leader arrested in clinic
Around 20 soldiers arrested the unnamed leader while he was at a clinic being treated.
Military amend Counter-Terrorism Law
Military illegitimately amended the law to increase imprisonment for people supporting the opposition NLD.
Submission to International Parliamentary Inquiry into Myanmar
FEM has submitted a report to the International Parliamentary Inquiry into the international response to the coup in Myanmar.
Political prisoners start hunger strikes
Hunger strikes start in Yangon’s notorious Insein prison.
Internet shutdown in Sagaing reaches 5 months
Internet connection had been shutdown in Indaw which has seen protests and military crackdown.
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.
Journalist sentenced to 2 years
Ko Myo Min Tun was arrested in October 2021 but his case was processed slowly.
Media uses SMS to share stories
Ayeyarwaddy Times announced that it will publish news via SMS because of the internet shutdown.
63 famous people face terrorism law
Police announce that 63 celebrities will be prosecuted for supporting the NUG.
Famous activist sentenced to 10 years
Monywa protest leader, Wai Moe Naing sentenced under the Penal Code with further charges under other laws.
Military bans parties from meeting foreigners
Political parties including the NLD banned from meeting foreign people or foreign or international organisations.
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.
BBC journalist arrested
BBC presenter Ma Htet Htet Khaing was arrested together with journalist U Si Thu Aung Myint.
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.
Military creating alternative to Facebook
Military says that they are building a news social media platform for Myanmar only.
Banks ordered to secretly record transfers
Military tells banks to track mobile money transfers including via CCTV.
“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.
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.
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.
Facebook’s plan threatens to censor media and encourage disinformation
45 media and media rights organisations including FEM urge Facebook not to implement its planned News Feed modification in Myanmar as it threatens to reduce people’s access to reliable news and lead to the spread of disinformation.
Publisher loses licence for publishing “porn”
Clover Book House banned allegedly for publishing pornography.
Ayeyarwaddy Times former photojournalist sentenced to 3 years
Ko Zaw Zaw was arrested in April 2022 and sent for interrogation.
Trade Unions disappearing
International organisation, ILO warns the world that trade unions are disappearing in Myanmar.
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.
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.
Military arrests 20 striking public servants
20 public servants participating in the civil disobedience movement were detained.
Civil society criticises military human rights commission
52 CSOs call for the military-controlled National Human Rights Commission to be abolished.
Record number of women political prisoners
CSO announces that the number of women political prisoners was the highest ever in the country.
Striking school teacher sentenced to 7 years
Ma Thae Su Naing’s leg was badly broken when she was arrested.
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.
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.
Military announces replacing YouTube with its own MTube
YouTube has hosted many media and civil society videos of the military’s actions.
16 media outlets and 4 publishers have lost licence
CSO report identifies the total number of outlets banned.
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.
“UN: Prove your existence for justice”
Banner hung outside the UN offices in Yangon.
Military detains comedian
Ko Kyaw Zan Wai (aka) Yin Sot was arrested for sharing on Facebook a rap song called Exodus that criticises military.
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.
Russian state TV signs agreement with military TV
Sputnik News Agency signed the cooperation agreement with Myawady TV.
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.
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.
Woman political prisoner raises awareness of sexual abuse
Former prisoner explains how military is using sexual violence against women prisoners.
Political prisoners must pay bribes for leniency
Reports that political prisoners are being asked for between 5 to 30 million MMK.
Political prisoners put in chains in solitary confinement
At least 30 political prisoners treated extremely badly while in Magway prison.
27 youth arrested for protesting
The large group of protesters were detained in Yangon.
Thai broadcaster helping spread military propaganda
Propaganda aims at attracting tourists back into Myanmar.
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.
Male journalist reports on sexual violence experienced in prison
Frontier Myanmar journalist, Ko Ye Mon explains his experience after being detained at Yangon airport.
Political prisoner denied medical help dies
Another political prisoner dies in Obo prison after staff refuse to help with accessing medical care.
Unregistered SIM cards to be cancelled
Remaining balances to be transferred to the military-controlled state.
Smallest donation to opposition will be punished by jail
MIlitary warns supporters of NUG, CRPH, or PDF.
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”.
Military threatens Rakhine media
Military claimed that Rakhine media outlets are creating public panic.
Prison punishes political prisoners for sleeping
4 political prisoners were tortured by prison staff for being sleepy while they were supposed to be praying.
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.
Military supporters claim opposition bombed school
Military propaganda trying to avoid blame for war crime.
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.
Military tries to ban opposition game apps
Mobile game apps were being sold online to generate income for PDFs.
Military promoting communal hatred in Rakhine
Leaflets trying to encourage conflict between local Buddhist and Muslim communities.
Model sentenced to 6 years
Nan Mwe San was sentenced under the Electronic Transactions Law.
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”.
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.
Military reminds broadcasters of censorship board
Military tells broadcasters that any films and television series, including foreign productions, must be approved by the ministry.
6 protesters including LGBT leader arrested
The arrested include the president of CSO, LGBT Union Mandalay.
17-year-old girl imprisoned for protest
Ma Poe Zar Aung was arrested on 16 March and was reportedly tortured in interrogation.
Japanese filmmaker sentenced to 7 years
Toru Kubota was sentenced under the Electronic Transactions Law.
Striking teacher sentenced to five years
Daw Soe Mya Mya was sentenced under Counter-Terrorism Law.
Narinjara editor charged
U Khaing Myat Kyaw was charged under the Telecommunications Law and Penal Code.
Journalist sentenced to 3 years
U Sithu Aung Myint still faces at least 3 more charges under Penal Code.
Military threatens soldiers to vote in election
Military leaders order rank and file to vote in election or face punishment.
Japanese filmmaker gets further 3 years
Toru Kubota received a further 3 years imprisonment for immigration violations following 7 years already sentenced.
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.
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.
6 political prisoners tortured in solitary confinement
Other political prisoners are doing hunger strikes in protest.
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.
Military tells courts to speed up political trials
The military has ordered courts to complete all political cases by the end of December 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.
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.
Political prisoner dies in suspicious circumstances
U San Aye was arrested for taking part in protests and faced charges under the Counter-Terrorism Law.
Protest leader gets another 4 years
Ko Wai Moe Naing received another sentence and is now facing a total of 14 years.
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.
Military revoked Irrawaddy’s media licence
The effective ban was announced on the military’s own TV channel.
Military claims 953 Facebook users arrested
Arrests for Facebook posts and comments were made since the beginning of 2022.
Minority languages downgraded
A new illegitimate law amendment would require only Burmese to be used in classrooms, banning minority languages.
Political prisoners mark executions
Political prisoners at Insein prison were tortured after staging a 3-month remembrance for 4 executed activists.
9 killed journalists remembered on international impunity day
FEM marks “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists” by remembering the nine journalists killed in Myanmar.
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.
Military adopts new association law
The illegitimate new law requires civil society organisations to register with the military-controlled State or face imprisonment.
Soldiers ordered to help spread propaganda
The military’s secret order was given to all soldiers and their families to follow.
Military tells property agents to inform
Military released a directive for property agents and brokers to share information about buyers, sellers, and renters.
Atom telco tells customers to re-register
The military-affiliated business group formerly Telenor Myanmar notified customers to register again providing formal identifying information.
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.
Peace activist and singer rearrested
Saw Phoe Khwar was released and rearrested immediately.
Woman journalist sentenced to 2 years
Ma Thu Zar was arrested on 1 September 2021 and interrogated for 2 weeks.
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.
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.
Remembering 300 women and girls silenced forever by coup
FEM marks “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women”.
235 arrested and 71 killed for striking
CSO report outlines those punished for participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement.
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.
Student arrested for TikTok politics
Unnamed 11th grade student was arrested after she published videos on politics.
Labour rights activist sentenced to 2 years
U Thet Hnin Aung was arrested in June 2021.
Journalist sentenced to 15 years
Ko Myo San Soe was a journalists in Pyapon township and was arrested on 29 August 2021.
Woman lawyer arrested leaving court
Daw San San Yi was handling political cases in Shew Bo and Kanbalu Township in Sagaing.
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.
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.
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.
Myanmar worst for jailing journalists
China, Myanmar, and Iran imprisoned the most journalists in the world in 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.
Woman arrested for posting military rally
20-year-old woman captioned the Tiktok video by implying the soldiers and their supporters were dogs.
Model and actor sentenced to 5 years
Thinzar Wint Kyaw was sentenced under the Electronic Transactions Law.
Legal aid lawyer sentenced to 2 years
U San Lwin was arrested a year previously for participating in protests.
Military orders infiltration of CSOs
The military ordered spies to infiltrate CSOs to be able to manipulate them in future.
CCTV used to arrest opposition
Military admits they are actively using CCTV to hunt protesters and opposition forces.
Chief editor of Kanbawza Times arrested
Military issued an warrant for U Kyaw Zaya in 2021. He was arrested after living in hiding.
Kamarut Media editor sentenced to 5 years
Editor-in-Chief, U Han Tha Nyein was arrested in 2021 and previously sentenced to 2 years.
Students’ Union member sentenced to 15 years
U Aung Kyaw Khant was a nursing student who participated in protests.
Military plans pre-election census in Yangon
The military said that it would collect demographic data to help with their illegitimate election.