JAKARTA - Apart from blocking the internet, the Myanmar military junta has also started hunting down activists and critics online on social media. Opponents of military rule launched a campaign of civil disobedience through photos and text messages on social media.
The military has even launched its own campaign to control the flow of information and organize its messages. This includes banning social media influencers from helping the demonstration movement.
"A warrant is issued or not, as long as I am alive, I will oppose the military dictatorship that oppresses and kills people. The revolution must-win", Actress Paing Phyo Thu said on her personal Facebook page, Tuesday, April 6.
The mask strike in #Yangon #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar #Apr4Coup pic.twitter.com/4cQ65yIGDO
- Paing Phyoe Thu (@ PaingPhyoeThu9) April 4, 2021
The same thing happened to blogger Thurein Hlaing Win, who is now a defendant. He told Reuters he was shocked to see himself labeled a criminal on television.
"I have not done anything bad or evil. I stand on the side of the truth. I follow the path I believe in. Between good and evil, I choose well", he said by phone from an undisclosed location.
So far, the authorities have shut down mobile data in a bid to silence the opposition. That includes ordering Internet service providers to cut off wireless broadband.
The activist group Association of Assistance for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said security forces had killed more than 550 people, 46 of them children.
Despite the persecution, coup opponents in cities and towns across the country staged guerrilla demonstrations almost daily, Reuters.
United Nations condemns the cutting off of Internet access in Myanmar
The United Nations (UN) has condemned the actions of Myanmar's military rulers for cutting off internet connections. The internet shutdown is a military response to anti-military coup demonstrations in the country.
Reporting from The Guardian, UN envoy to Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener has spoken with the deputy commander of the Myanmar army, Soe Win. During the meeting, Burgener immediately criticized the Myanmar military's action to cut off internet connections.
"The disconnection of the network undermines the core principles of democracy", said UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq.
"(Internet shutdown) hurts major sectors, including banking, and increases domestic tensions. And, so, we have made our concerns about this very clear", said Haq.
As reported by The Guardian, the latest internet blackout was when the military extended Suu Kyi's detention. Even though the internet was cut off, it did not stop the people from protesting.
Myanmar Coup. The VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Casualties from civilians continue to fall. Readers can follow the news surrounding the Myanmar military coup by tapping on this link.
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