In Post-Coup Myanmar, Citizens Fight to Get Online
BANGKOK —
Since the military coup in February, Myanmar’s national army has cracked down on coup protesters, while deadly fighting continues to target rebel armies that oppose junta rule.
While fighting those battles, Myanmar also is fighting to get online, because dozens of towns reportedly are without internet access.
The country has suffered regular internet shutdowns for most of the year, which the junta says are for the sake of “stability” in efforts to prevent disinformation and fake news.
On Tuesday, Htaike Htaike Aung, an internet freedom activist in Myanmar, posted on social media that internet access in 25 towns and cities had been cut off.
As of today, internet access in 25 towns and cities across Myanmar have been cut off. This pattern of shutdown is concerning as it is happening particularly in areas with violent crackdowns by the military junta. #KeepItOn #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar pic.twitter.com/bPWFeq2jEJ
— Htaike Htaike Aung (@barnyar) September 27, 2021
The military government has denied responsibility for the blackouts, however, instead blaming Myanmar’s local citizen defense forces for the shutdowns, according to news organization Mizzima.
https://www.voanews.com/a/myanmar-citizens-fight-to-get-online/6250855.html