standards, what might look like misinformation takes on a different
significance in the aftermath of the 2021 coup. This is because
misinformation, particularly when aimed at individuals, groups with opposing
political beliefs, or minority religious communities, can have severe
consequences, even leading to loss of life and the intensification of religious
and community conflicts.
Hate speech in Myanmar's current political climate is more than just false
information; it can be a catalyst for very real and harmful outcomes,
especially in the post-coup environment. Understanding this complex
relationship between hate speech, misinformation, and their tangible impacts
is crucial for grasping the region's broader social, political, and intergroup
dynamics.
3. Findings of hate speech in Social Networks
A total of 103 hate speech cases were found during BHRN’s monitoring process
this month. Facebook and TikTok accounts were not consistently used but
temporarily and moved to other accounts and some moved to Telegram channels.
The military mainly used Telegram channels and TikTok accounts to spread hate
speeches and the hate speeches were done through the cartoons as well.
Hate Speech Targets and Usages
In this month’s (the month of October) monitoring, the hate speech targeted the
most was PDF and the second most was the Arakan Army (AA) and the third was
the Muslim community. Moreover, hate speeches targeting NUG, Rohingya
ethnicity and the Muslim community were found as well.
In addition, the most used terms of hate speeches for this month are "dog,
terrorists, illegal immigrant Bengali, Kalar (a derogatory term referring to Muslims),
and evil.
Hate Speeches Targeting Arakan Army
A pro-military channel posted a cartoon drawn by MaGa. The cartoon’s message
is that AA is genociding the Rohingya community and they are trying to hide it to
the Muslim leaders. In that cartoon, AA leader Tun Mrat Naing was referred to as
the Drug King and Rohingyas were referred to as Bengali. The cartoon used
Criminalizing Hate Speech against AA and Rohingya.
Original Post Attach link file Translation (1)
A pro-military telegram channel named Min Chit Oo posted that the Arakan Army