After the coup, pro-Junta telegram channels have been responsible for a series of hate speech incidents, incitements and agitation resulting in approximately 250 arrests of citizens the past three months alone
As per the data compiled by Beautifier of Diversity, 130 men, 60 women, and 58 individuals whose genders are still under verification—making a total of 248—were arrested between October and December. This was a result of incitement and information provided by pro Junta telegram channels.
"In a span of three months, 139 individuals were arrested through the influence of these channels. Subsequently, based on data released by the same channels, the actual number of arrests has surged to 248. These channels not only advocated for the arrest of specific individuals but also frequently endorsed the sealing off and confiscation of these individuals' homes and properties”, Beautifier of Diversity stated. Consequently, a total of 21 houses were sealed off within that three-month period.
The nefariousness of these pro Junta Telegram channels knows no bounds, as they not only urge the arrest of domestic civilians supporting the revolution, but also advocate for the blocking of visas and passports for those intending to travel abroad.
Moreover, Ma Thet Zun of Beautifier of Diversity has noted an escalation in the defamation targeted at the Three Brotherhood Alliance and the resistance forces by those channels after 'Operation 1027'.
"Since the coup, Pro Junta telegram channels have focused their aggression on anti-coup individuals and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). Previously, only 30 percent of these channels were dedicated to defaming EAOs. However, following 'Operation 1027,' this figure has surged to 39 percent since October", she told KNG.
After the coup, supporters of the coup regime increasingly turned to Telegram, favoring it over Facebook, as a platform to spread misinformation and hate speech. An anonymous observer entity disclosed that between January and November 2023, 83 Pro Junta telegram channels were active, collectively publishing over 200,000 posts.
