5/10/23, 10:29 PM Myanmar: Internet shutdowns shrouding torchings and killings - ARTICLE 19 ground. As places continue to be wiped out amidst communications blackouts, the international community and companies tasked to enforce the junta’s orders have remained largely silent. This must change. (https://www.article19.org) Internet shutdowns have been imposed across regions where resistance against the military has been most intense, and where arson attacks by the junta have been most widespread as both punishment, and cover for atrocities. In one of the worst-hit regions of Sagaing, internet, mobile and landline connections have been shut down since late 2021, with access only available intermittently for a few hours every few days. Out of 34 townships in Sagaing, eight are facing regular internet blackouts, while the other townships have access only to 2G connections. Reports (https://www.ispmyanmar.com/more-than-22000-homesand-buildings-torched-after-the-coup/) indicate that more than 22,000 sites including residential and religious buildings have been burned down between February 1 to May 2022. Homes have been raided (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/04/myanmarmilitary-accused-of-torching-hundreds-of-homes-in-three-day-blitz) by soldiers, property destroyed (https://www.voanews.com/a/myanmar-junta-hits-oppositionforces-with-communications-blackouts-/6550158.html), and burned bodies reportedly found “shot in the head” and “tied with cables.” (https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/burned-bodies-foundafter-myanmar-junta-raid-in-sagaing.html) Regional shutdowns have been reported (https://progressivevoicemyanmar.org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/06/Internet-Shutdown-Athan-May-2022Eng.pdf) and continue across the regions of Magway and Mandalay, and states of Chin, Kayah (Karenni) and Kachin, where intense fighting between military and resistance forces is ongoing. This is all being perpetrated with impunity amidst recurring internet shutdowns, now in place in at least 54 townships (https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1wwUFrhqUUtmGLzgwxSBycHxqM8SzazMF? fbclid=IwAR1RXvSC1TA7mc115L4mmDQnT_VIgXduwJFpiK4W2H8mqu8Wuxx_4W7wLQ) across the country. This website uses cookies indefinitely, to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you As shutdowns continue people are not only impacted by activecan conflict, opt-outbut if you struggle wish. to Cookie lead daily settings lives. ACCEPT Those attempting to leave their homes have no means to find out Privacy and Cookie Policy (https://www.article19.org/privacy-policy/) https://www.article19.org/resources/myanmar-internet-shutdowns-torchings-killings/  2/8