Social media crackdown in Myanmar sends 1,500 to prison since 2022

Myanmar junta authorities have arrested and jailed nearly 1,500 people for posting anti-junta messages on social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram over the past two years, RFA reported.

The arrests included a woman who was sentenced to life in prison after her return to Myanmar, where her phone was checked during a passport renewal and found to contain anti-junta messages.

The junta’s actions have led to a chilling effect on online expression and have resulted in Myanmar being ranked as the second worst country in the world for internet freedom.

It should be mentioned that freedom of expression is one of the fundamental rights emphasized in Islamic teachings, with the Holy Prophet and Amir al-Momineen, peace be upon them, exhibiting the principle in full effect during their governance.