Conclusion The military’s attempt to recapture Myanmar’s information ecosystem relied on intimidation tactics through a draconian new legal framework criminalizing freedoms of expression and association, and a whac-a-mole approach to detaining journalists; first grabbing, torturing, and releasing anyone they could capture in a bid to promote mass self-censorship, and later handing down disproportionate prison sentences to anyone left standing.69 In the three years since the coup started, the military detained over 220 journalists, convicting 88 journalists so far to a total of 497 years imprisonment, most under vague censorship provisions such as incitement, spreading “false news”, and disseminating “terrorist” propaganda. At least 51 journalists were languishing in prison in February 2025 with disproportionate sentences up to 27 years. The military also tried to intimidate media outlets with bans, license revocations, and internet blocks, in addition to the challenges to resources, capacity, and morale caused by their journalists being detained. The military has failed to recapture the information ecosystem. Intimidation has not stopped dynamic and resolute journalists and media outlets from publishing videos, photos, and articles that a justifiably angry public has devoured. The military’s future response will likely be yet more intimidation with new “laws” that further strip away human rights protections, and more disproportionate prison sentences for any journalists that it manages to capture. ‘‘ The military has failed to recapture the information ecosystem. Intimidation has not stopped dynamic and resolute journalists and media outlets from publishing videos, photos, and articles that a justifiably angry public has devoured. Future reforms should prioritize rolling back the military’s attacks on the rights to freedom of expression and association, and establishing, with journalists, a robust framework to ensure long-lasting protection for media freedom. Reforms should address rampant impunity for crimes against free expression during the coup, and provide proper remedies to victims and survivors. All reforms should be done in accordance with international human rights standards. 69 Japanese game in which a player has to quickly hit plastic moles that randomly pop out of holes. 23