04 Impact on WHRDs: Self-censorship, online violence and increased vulnerability 4.1 Criminalisation, surveillance and freedom of expression The junta’s post-coup legal framework has resulted in the systematic repression of digital rights and freedom of expression in Myanmar, with the threat of being criminally prosecuted creating a climate of uncertainty and fear for WHRDs. Between 2021 and 2023, over 2,000 people were imprisoned under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code, including artists,44 former ministers,45 journalists and ordinary citizens that expressed dissent against the regime.46 Data for Myanmar reported that 1,691 individuals were arrested due to their online speech from February 2022 to July 2024.47 According to the SAC website,48 out of 374 individuals detained due to online speech in 2024, 114 of them were women. WHRDs now operate in an environment where their work, speech or even private communication can be considered criminal behaviour under the sweeping laws. Prominent examples of the persecution of women include: the arrest on 29 April 2022 under the Counter-Terrorism Law of Daw Ywat Nu Aung, a lawyer who had been representing leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD), and who was 44 https://www.facebook.com/100018589237370/posts/pfbid031BwzWxLJHb9yVERo3LWghUsKwDUy9MSxtXXKn6Le8aUwTcjysfAwZ6L1MbbXLTCEl/ 45 https://news-eleven.com/article/284766 46 Strangio, S. (2023, 4 May). Myanmar junta pardons more than 2,000 political prisoners. The Diplomat. https://thediplomat. com/2023/05/myanmar-junta-pardons-more-than-2000-political-prisoners/ 47 https://tinyurl.com/mrhwp9ax 48 https://myanmar.gov.mm 16