Nearly 1,700 people have been arrested for criticizing the military junta on social media and supporting pro-democracy movements during the more than three years since the military coup, according to a report by the independent research group “Data for Myanmar”, released on September 16.
Among the 1,691 individuals arrested, 613 were women, accounting for 63%, while the remaining 1,078 were men.
Most arrests were linked to posts and shares on Facebook, though some were also detained for content shared on other platforms such as TikTok, Telegram, and Viber.
The report noted that 202 people have been arrested so far in 2024. While the number of arrests surged in 2022 and 2023, there has been a slight decline in 2024.
On average, 54 social media users are arrested each month, “Data for Myanmar” reported.
The military junta closely monitors online activity and takes action against individuals for their posts, often arresting people at security checkpoints after checking their phones. Additionally, pro-junta Telegram channels are actively gathering personal information and pressuring authorities to arrest those who criticize the regime online.
Since the coup, the junta has tried to control online platforms and social networks vital to the pro-democracy movement. Efforts have included internet shutdowns, blocking access to websites, and restricting popular platforms like Facebook.
