Analysis: Current Landscape of Hate Speech in Myanmar of hate speech.303 For example, there have been reports of the military’s direct involvement in organized social media operations that target minorities and propagate pro-military messages.304 One interviewee provided a detailed account of one such suspected operation on social media in which multiple accounts repeatedly use the same language to promote a pro-military agenda: One account is lobbying for the military and has been sharing many things that are pro-military and he has . . . thousands of followers. He shares that photo and many people shared it again: Within one hour, it was shared 500 times. It was done system- atically. . . . I notice that they copy and paste. After 15 comments, there is the same comment. After 15 more comments, the same comment appears again, but from a different account. All the accounts have no real name or real picture. I see it is done systematically.305 The military has also been connected to sponsoring ultranationalist groups who are the princi- pal agents of hate speech.306 At a minimum, the military has tolerated these groups, and links may be much deeper.307 One activist stated that the “military, crony and its fellows” have been the ones that “support those spreading hate speech and ultranationalist groups from behind.”308 Citing their ability to “preach, organize huge gathering, publish text and newspaper,” the activist explained that these ac- tors “would not have done it alone by themselves.”309 The benefit to the military is clear – a politics of fear has bolstered the legitimacy of a powerful military to defend the nation, race, and religion, as well as enriching their cronies.310 According to one CSO member, the military has been able to “maintain their authority and power” by targeting the Muslim community and ethnic minorities.311 Interviewees also widely cited nationalist political parties as well as businesses as important contributors and beneficiaries of the rise of hate speech.312 Some “29 nationalist political parties,” including USDP and NDP were identified as providing financial support for the activities of ultranationalist religious leaders.313 Multiple CSO members stated that some businesses have also directly funded ultranationalist movements..314 One interviewee cited Super Coffee Mix and Max Corpora- tion as examples of businesses that propagate anti-Muslim hate speech.315 Prominent businessmen “Max” Zaw Zaw and Zaykarbar Khin Shwe have been among those singled out by local activists as funders of ultranationalist movements and promoting “hate to benefit their business,” according to the interviewee.316 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 Ibid; See, e.g., MS-R3-01; YGN-R3-01. YGN-R3-01. 002-R1-01, 7. “An Unholy Alliance,” Al Jazeera. Ibid. 001-R2-01, 3. Ibid., 4. See “Myanmar Army Enjoys Popularity Surge Amid Rohingya Crackdown,” AP News, January, 16, 2018, https://www. apnews.com/61b769ea85164d2ca433371321a1e1a6. 002-R3-03, 3. Ibid.; FGD (January 2019 and December 2019); YGN-R3-02; YGN-R4-04. 001-R2-01, 3. 001-R1-01, 1; 002-R3-03, 2. 002-R3-03, 2. Ibid. 57