Junta’s soldiers threaten villagers: Told not to share news of human rights violations on social media

January 16, 2024

HURFOM: In early 2024, residents from Mell Ta Yoe and nearby villages, Kyikemayaw Township, Mon State had to flee their homes due to armed conflict and military tension. The junta deployed more troops to villages in Kyikemayaw Township and the Burmese soldiers were arresting, extorting and torturing villagers. Junta’s troops burgled houses of displaced persons and stole valuable things. The soldiers restricted freedom of movement and limited transportation of food and goods.

Junta’s soldiers also threatened local villagers not to share news of human rights violations with reporters and in social media.

“The monks and local villagers saw with their naked eyes that Burmese soldiers were taking away various valuable things from monasteries and houses. They already threatened the villagers not to share the news of violations with reporters and in social media. If they make news, they’ll be shot and killed. So, both monks and villagers dare to say nothing. But there have been countless violations,” said a social worker who is helping displaced persons.

Burmese soldiers threatened villagers they would be arrested if they reported human rights violations.

“The military junta is closely monitoring what is written or said on social media. So, no one dares to talk about human rights violations. Everyone has to suffer in silence. As the junta has threatened them, no one can talk about the truth,” said a young educator from Mawlamyine.

In 2023, the junta arrested and charged at least five residents across Mon State for posting or sharing their opinions or writing comments on social media. All of them were under the Anti-Terrorist Act which provides for a longer prison term.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News