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Digital Hate monthly report 18 January 2025

December 2024 - Digital Hate Monthly Report

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Cover: December 2024 - Digital Hate Monthly Report
In this report
  1. Introduction
  2. Research Methodology
  3. Findings of hate speech in Social Networks
  4. The figure illustrating types of hate speech
  5. The figure illustrating the number of hate speech targets
  6. Keywords used by hate speech writers
  7. Conclusion

1Introduction

This monthly report aims to analyze the origins of hate speech that arise from the various dynamics of ethnicity and politics in Myanmar. Significant cases have been identified that highlight the nature of hate speech spreading through both printed media and digital platforms.

This report aims to examine trends and patterns of hate speech across different regions and contexts in Myanmar. Additionally, it seeks to demonstrate the impact of hate speech on society as a whole and on individuals by analyzing specific cases, social media activities, and public reactions.

As the situation in Myanmar evolves, understanding the nuances of hate speech is essential for promoting dialogue, and tolerance, and building an inclusive society. This report is intended to serve as a resource for policymakers, activists, and the public in addressing hate speech and promoting human rights in Myanmar.

2Research Methodology

As hate speech is a term that stems from emotion, there is a wide spectrum in defining it, with no specific definition universally accepted. Therefore, BHRN has standardized the definition of hate speech for this report as follows: Hate speech, in this report, refers to aggressiveness and hatred directed against protected characteristics of a person or group, including blaming, discriminatory expressions, writings, gestures, or artistic expressions of excoriation and dehumanization.

This includes attacks on someone's faith, language, gender, sexual orientation, origin, ethnicity, skin color, race, beliefs, citizenship, and physical appearance. The monitored hate speech was categorized into the following six types: (1) Criminalizing Hate Speech, (2) Abusive Hate Speech, (3) Dehumanizing Hate Speech, (4) Violence-Inciting Hate Speech, (5) Threatening Hate Speech, and (6) Hate Speech that supports prejudicial actions inspired by hate speech.

BHRN has documented hate speech terms and usages found in content disseminated by military propaganda channels during the ongoing political crisis and war tensions. This report was compiled after monitoring both online and print media used by the junta and its supporters to spread hate speech. BHRN recorded a total of 11 hate speech posts from monitoring 3 Facebook groups and 13 Facebook accounts, 70 hate speech posts from monitoring 24 Telegram channels, and 27 posts from 34 TikTok accounts. A total of 108 hate speech cases were recorded in December 2024. There are significant limitations in monitoring the entirety of Myanmar’s social media, which means that some cases may not have been recorded.

Context of misinformation as hate speech

In this report, BHRN has analysed hate speech in the context of the ongoing political tensions in Myanmar. Sometimes, when measured by international 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.

3Findings of hate speech in Social Networks

Hate Speech Targets and Usages

In this month’s (the month of December 2024) monitoring, hate speech targeted the most was PDF and the second most was Muslim community and the third was women. Moreover, hate speeches targeting Arakan Army, Rakhine people and Chin people were found as well. Hate speech targeted to the Rohingya community in Rakhine State were also recorded along with AA.

In addition, the most used terms of hate speeches for this month are dog, terrorists, Muslim terrorists, Kalar (a derogatory term referring to Muslim), evil and non-pork eaters.

Hate Speech targeted to the Rohingya community

During the intense fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and the junta in Rakhine State, the Rohingya are often considered a common target of ethnic, religious, military, and political hostility. The spread of hate speech against the Rohingya, particularly those who were forcibly recruited by the military, has increased since the AA took control of almost all parts of Rakhine State.

The Rohingya in Rakhine State can be divided into two groups: those living in areas controlled by the AA and those living in areas controlled by the Myanmar military. They face significant pressure from hate speech as they are caught between both the AA and the junta. The Irrawaddy News Agency has accused and spread hate speech against Rohingya who were forcibly recruited by the military, labeling them as “Muslim Pyusawhtee,” which translates to “Muslim Militant.” This is misleading, as these individuals were compelled to serve in the military against their will. The term “Pyusawhtee” is commonly used to refer to the military's puppets; thus, applying the same term to the Rohingya community fosters a misunderstanding that they are aligned with or complicit in the military's actions. The use of this term against the Rohingya can foster animosity not only among ethnic minorities but also among the ethnic majority towards the Rohingya community.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 1)

A Facebook account named Twan Twan Naing posted a hate speech against the Rohingya by uploading photos of Rohingya individuals who had been forcibly recruited by the military. In that post, Rohingya were referred to as non-pork eaters and described as individuals who would become manure. The post contained abusive hate speech directed at the Rohingya community. It was found that, despite being forcibly recruited by the military, the Rohingya are still targets of hate speech.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 2)

Findings of hate speech in Social Networks

A Facebook account named Lu Thar posted that the terrorism happening in Mayyu region of northern Rakhine State is the movement initiated by Rohingya to establish Islamic State. In that post, Rohingya were mentioned as terrorists, murderers and militants. That post used Criminalizing Hate Speech against the Rohingya community.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 3)

It was found that a Facebook account named Maleinnae Maleinnae generated a very dangerous hate speech that incites to abuse, persecute, violence and kill the Rohingya people whose faith is Islam and living in Rakhine state. That hate speech includes violence inciting hate speech to perish Muslim villages and to kill Muslim without giving them a chance to even breathe when they are arrested.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 4)

Findings of hate speech in Social Networks

AA GAME Facebook account posted that Rohingya living in northern Rakhine State are illegal migrants and Islamic terrorists. Even though the Rohingya have been living in Myanmar since the 15th century under successive governments, 1982 citizenship laws revoked their citizenship and considered them as “associate citizens”.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 5)

Hate Speech Targeted to Muslim community

Even though Myanmar is a country where different religious groups live, Muslim community is proportionally targeted and attacked by hate speech compared to other communities. That hate speech always tries to link terrorisms happening abroad to the local people living in the country.

A Facebook account named Lu Thar posted hate speech against Muslim community based on the car accident case that happened during Christmas in Germany. In that post, hate speech includes that Muslim are ingratitude and they are trying to do terrorisms everywhere even though they were saved by those countries because Islam an extremist religion. That post used Criminalizing Hate Speech against Muslim community.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 6)

Findings of hate speech in Social Networks

The township administrator of Mingalar Taungnyunt Township of Yangon Region announced the martial laws and prohibition of assembly in the township on December 26, 2024. A Telegram Channel named Sisthadin posted that the announcement was made due to the Kalar (a derogatory term referring to Muslim). That post used Abusive Hate Speech and Criminalizing Hate Speech against Muslim community.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 7)

Hate speech targeted PDF

A pro-military Telegram channel posted a cartoon giving a message that KNDF and PDF are killing monks for the success of the revolution. In that cartoon, KNDF and PDF were portrayed as the killers of monks and destroyers of the religion. That cartoon was drawn by MaGa and uploaded by Mhinewai Telgram channel. That post used Criminalizing Hate Speech against KNPF and PDF.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 8)

Findings of hate speech in Social Networks

A pro-military Telegram channel posted an announcement of BPLA on recruiting new soldiers. The channel added that “we can know how many PDFs were killed. In addition, their situation is so bad that PDFs are dying a lot overnight after NUG did blandishment to BPLA to base in the middle part of Myanmar. Now, they even need to recruit via online.” In that post, PDFs were mentioned as dogs. That post used dehumanizing hate speech against PDF and criminalizing hate speech against NUG that NUG is a terrorist group.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 9)

A telegram channel named Thazin Oo posted that PDFs are stealing the natural resources of the country, such as wood, petroleum, gold, and minerals. They are stealing those natural resources in the name of the revolution and they now even become bandits. That post used criminalizing hate speech against PDF.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 10)

A telegram channel named Ka Ka Han posted that the people in Kyunsu township of Tanintharyi region are now very worried due to the banditry and forced collecting of money of Daungnat PDF. In addition, not only Daungnat PDF but also all the PDF groups are doing terrorism such as banditry, forcibly collecting money etc. by using their weapons. That post used criminalizing hate speech against PDF.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 11)

Hate Speech Targeted at Women

A Telegram Channel named as 'Mhinewai' posted hate speech against those who participated in CDM to oppose the junta coup. The hate speech insulted the women who participated in CDM, as prostitutes. That post used Criminalizing Hate Speech describing CDM women as the ones who are spreading HIV/AIDS disease.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 12)

A Telegram Channel named as 'KyawSwar' posted hate speech inciting to arrest and torture a woman selling potato chips as business who posted a status on social media about welcoming PDFs. That post used Dehumanizing Hate Speech including the derogatory term 'evil woman.'

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 13)

A Telegram Channel named as 'Truth Media' posted hate speech against Palaung women (ethnic group of Myanmar) describing them as 'dirty smelly Palaung girls'. That post used Abusive Hate Speech against Palaung women.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 14)

Hate speech agitators who are intentionally writing to mislead the public, often make sexual assaults to female members of PDF. Telegram Channel named as ‘Sitthway’ also posted that male and female members of PDF have sexual relations with one another and there are many female PDFs who are doing abortions because of unwanted pregnancy. That post used Abusive Hate Speech against women.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 15)

The junta propaganda Telegram Channels are also found to be spreading lots of sexual attacks and hate speech against women. A Telegram Channel named as 'Mhinewai' posted a photo of young women taking a group photo at the graduation ceremony of basic military training of National Democratic Force. It mentioned that those women have short noses and seem to be lustful. That post used Abusive Hate Speech against women.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 16)

Findings of hate speech in Social Networks

Hate Speech Targeted at AA Rakhine

Hate speech related to AA, who has attacked and conquered almost the entire state of Rakhine State, is spreading on social media. Those hate speeches are usually based on ethnic and regional differences.

Min Thu who is believed to be one of the generals of junta posted on his Tiktok account that a holocaust would be carried out when the military council tries to reconquer Ann and Maungdaw areas that had been lost in the attack against AA. That post used Dehumanizing Hate Speech describing AA as Kelwar (dogs).

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 17)

Findings of hate speech in Social Networks

Junta propaganda Telegram Channel 'Khit Thit Myanmar' reposted the news photos of 'Western News Media' showing the capture of Rakhine people on the Thai-Myanmar border gate. It mentioned that local people have been forced to flee their homes because of AA. That posted used Criminalizing Hate Speech and Dehumanizing Hate Speech describing AA as extremist terrorists and dogs. Due to the tense war in Rakhine State, there are people fleeing their houses every day. Actually, this is only because of both sides, both organizations.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 18)

A Telegram Channel named as 'Sitthadin' reposted the statement of General Tun Myat Naing, the Commander-in-Chief of AA army. Tun Myat Naing said that they had got evidence that the military created ARSA to counter-balance AA. That post used a Dehumanizing Hate speech against AA leader describing him as a drug lord and dog.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 19)

Findings of hate speech in Social Networks

A…K..MG Tiktok's repost referred to the news of Maungdaw Public Voice MPV and Mhinewai Telegram Channel about the 'Extremist Buddhist AA terrorist group.' It mentioned that there is no compassion and mercy for the death of AA members and we are labeled as Buddhist extremists because of them. That post used Criminalizing Hate Speech against AA.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 20)

Findings of hate speech in Social Networks

Hate Speech targeted at Ethnic people

The junta has made widespread use of hate speech attacks targeting ethnic people groups who are living in areas where the military council is being defeated. In December, they targeted the Rakhine and Chin States, in which they were heavily defeated militarily. They spread hate speech against the Rakhine and Chin ethnic groups.

At a time when the military council is desperately trying to reconquer Ann Township from AA in Rakhine State, a military propaganda Telegram Channel 'Sitthadin' posted hate speech to kill all Rakhine people and to send reinforcements to help the military council in Rakhine. It mentioned that Rakhine people must be considered as enemies and they all should be killed. That post used Violence Inciting Hate Speech against Rakhine people.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 21)

Findings of hate speech in Social Networks

The military council propaganda Tiktok account named 'Young Pyan Lin' posted to create a holocaust to destroy all the people on the land of Rakhine State since only terrorists have dominated that state. It also mentioned that all the Rakhine people living in Rakhine State should be expelled from the ethnic list. It is written to incite genocide among the ethnic groups. That post used Violence Inciting Hate Speech against Rakhine people.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 22)

Findings of hate speech in Social Networks

With the long civil war in Myanmar, the danger of drug trafficking has also been exceeding the alarming point. A Telegram Channel named as 'Sitthway' posted that drug trafficking within Chin State is being carried out by the AA and CDF Chin armed groups. In that post, Chin ethnic people were targeted by hate speech by portraying them as inferior.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 23)

Referring to the news of Chin armed groups who were killed in the battle of Falam in Chin State, Telegram Channel named 'Mhinewai' posted the hate speech describing Chin people as barbarian people. That post used Dehumanizing Hate Speech describing Chin people as the ones who eat dogs, and Chin Padat.

Original Post (See the translation of the attached link below conclusion - 24)

Findings of hate speech in Social Networks

4The figure illustrating types of hate speech

The figure illustrating types of hate speech

5The figure illustrating the number of hate speech targets

The figure illustrating the number of hate speech targets

6Keywords used by hate speech writers

Keywords used by hate speech writers

7Conclusion

This month's report on hate speech in Myanmar highlights that hate speech primarily targets Muslims, Rohingya people, PDFs, and women. Data collected by BHRN indicates that hate speech not only perpetuates violence and discrimination but also fosters division within society. Some media outlets have contributed to disunity between the Rohingya and other ethnic groups of Rakhine State.

An overview of the spread of hate speech in December reveals that it is particularly concentrated in Rakhine State. In December, the military lost control of strategically important areas in the region. In an attempt to reclaim these losses, they launched strong offensive attacks and recruited young people from Rohingya refugee camps as new soldiers, sending them to the frontlines to replenish their depleted forces. This action has led to misunderstandings between the Rohingya and local ethnic communities.

The Rohingya, who have been forcibly recruited by the military, face discrimination and attacks based on their religion from local ethnic groups and others in the country. In addition to these assaults, hate speech against Muslims has increased, and since the Rohingya are predominantly Muslim, they are often portrayed as instigators of extremist violence.

Furthermore, the relationship between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Rohingya has deteriorated compared to the past. Rohingya individuals being forcibly recruited under the military's recruitment law are experiencing oppression. The Rohingya are facing restrictions that go beyond those imposed by the military, with reports of arrests and killings also on the rise.

Rohingyas in Rakhine State remain caught in the crossfire of political instability and military tension. Violations of their rights by successive military regimes continue to be severe. The lack of citizenship rights for the Rohingya is a significant source of ongoing problems, and granting citizenship is essential to alleviate the intense political pressure they face.

The posts below are hate speech documented by BHRN. They are translated here only as evidence for this report.

See the translation of the attached link below the conclusion.

Translation (1)

(Caption) The consequences of Maungdaw war and the Muslim Phyusawhtee Issue

AA has taken over Naf River which has a 168-mile border with Bangladesh after taking over No.5 Border Guard Force, the last military force in Maungdaw township of Rakhine State. In addition, the junta is no longer able to control most parts of the Rakhine State. In this situation, Bangladesh has now to discuss with AA the border trading issue, border issue and Rohingya issue.

There is no doubt that the Rohingya issue has to be solved at any cost. However, it depends on how the problem will be solved. Rohingya Muslims can be known as two groups at the moment, one is those who are living under the control of AA and the other is those who are living under military control.

Translation (2)

Muhammad Min Aung Hlaing and the products Burmese military, non-pork eaters and manure to be.

Translation (3)

Western Door cannot be like Southern Thai

Non-Muslims in southern Thailand are leaving their region because of the daily attacks by Malay descendants of extremist Muslim terrorists. After a time, southern Thailand became an Islamic region. Not only non-Muslims but also civil servants and military soldiers are not safe in that region. That area becomes the land of terrorists.

Another example is the southern Philippines. That region is the most dangerous region in Asia. They were trying to take over the region like in southern Thailand. Later, they even become drug dealers and terrorist groups that are linked with ISIS and other foreign terrorist groups.

The same way, terrorists in Maungdaw are killing civilians every day to create fear among the civilians. They are making people leave the region. The Muslim terrorists have weapons that they get from the Junta and they are now even stronger. According to Fortify Rights, over 5,000 militants were recently recruited from the Rohingya refugee camps. Even though Rakhine people are heading to an inclusive future where everyone is treated equally, if they are not willing to live together with us, our goodwill will be a barrier in the future.

If these terrorists cannot be stopped in time, it will be difficult for all other ethnic groups including Rakhine people to live like it happened in southern Rakhine State. It is necessary to destroy all of these terrorists.

Translation (4)

We came to know that they are hiding in Muslim villages to flee from Maungdaw Township. Kalar (a derogatory word referring to Muslims) and its allies were arrested in Muslim villages. They are relying on Muslim villages to do their illegal passways. The second point is that when these Kalar are arrested, kill them on the spot without giving them a chance to breathe. If they need to be investigated, force them to eat pork and ask questions.

Translation (5)

Bangladesh wants to discuss with AA regarding the repatriation of terrorist Islamic illegal immigrants. However, they rejected the rice exported with the permission of AA, saying this is not illegal. Actually AA is just testing with the Bangladesh government.

Translation (6)

Muslims are ingratitude and they are the ones who are doing terrorism against the country that saved them from a miserable life. They are doing terrorism everywhere. These are the Muslim terrorists who hit the Christmas festival in Germany by car.

Translation (7)

(Caption) It is done. This announcement was made due to the evil acts of Kalar (a derogatory word referring to Muslims) in Mangala Taung Nyunt.

Translation (8)

(Caption) Their way of considering enemies to those who have different stands and opinions, is the way of terrorist PDFs.

(Text in cartoon) Let’s kill monks for the success of the revolution. (Reply) Yes Yes That's true.

Translation (9)

(Caption) No one knows how dog PDFs are getting killed. They are now even recruiting via online. Now, they become silent because they are dying a lot overnight after NUG did blandishment to BPLA to base in the middle part of Myanmar. It seems like the situation is very bad as they have to recruit new members via online. Stop doing it. No one will be interested in serving in your terrorist dog PDF low-standard army.

Translation (10)

The natural resources of the country are going to be empty because of being stolen by PDFs. They steal wood, petroleum, gold, and minerals. They even steal other people’s wives/husbands in the forest. They become bandits and thieves in the name of nation and revolution.

Translation (11)

(Caption) We come to know that the people in Kyunsu township of Tanintharyi region are very worried due to the Daungnet PDF terrorists who are committing banditry and forcibly collecting money from the people living in that town. Actually, not only the Daungnat group but also all the PDFs are doing banditry and forcibly collecting money in the name of revolution.

Translation (12)

(Text in the photo) The rising rate of HIV/AIDS disease is found as CDM people are entering the Yangon market of illegal sex workers.

(Caption) I thought the story was over because they became prostitutes, but now they are making trouble for the people. We need to quickly crack down CDM prostitutes.

……………………………

Translation (13)

The evil woman who is welcoming PDFS is called Htay Htay Myint from Kyaukpadaung township. She sells potato chips and snacks. Here is her phone number.

………………………

Translation (14)

There are dirty-smelling Palaung girls in TNLA. They do nose picking, eat dried pumpkins. They are Palaung bamboo shoots.

……………………………

Translation (15)

They are doing whatever they want under the title of revolution and now many of them are getting pregnant. Why are they doing abortions? They should give birth without having abortions. If they did not want it at first, they had to use a condom. Good job to the ones who are helping to abort the pregnancy.

Male and female members of PDF in the forest are doing whatever they want. Many female PDFs are having abortions because of pregnancy. The success of the forest revolution is evidenced by the fact that female PDFs frequently abort their pregnancies.

………………………

Translation (16)

They have short noses. Their appearance seems to be very lustful.

…………………………

Translation (17)

A holocaust would be carried out soon in Maungdaw areas. Do not shout when it becomes your turn. We will not find any contentment with those dogs forever.

………………………

Translation (18)

Thai police arrest Rakhine people on the Thai-Myanmar border gate

Many people from Rakhine have been forced to flee their homes because of extremist AA. They say AA is a liberal area. Then why are local people from that liberal area fleeing?

……………………

Translation (19)

The leader of AA who is a drug lord is saying dog words

"We had got evidence that they (the military) had created ARSA to counterbalance AA. After they created this, they also created a bad scheme that will bring down the government when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi became government."

……………………

Translation (20)

We are labeled as Buddhist extremists because of AA terrorist groups

There is no reason to feel sorry for the death of the Rakhine extremist AA terrorist group, but because of those people, peaceful Buddhism has been given the title of extremist. There would be peace only without those bastards. They are the guys who do nothing good for the country.

………………………

Translation (21)

Send all the reinforcements to Rakhine

Kill all the Rakhine

Destroy all the Rakhine

Those enemies are reaching the main area

………………………

Translation (22)

What is happening in Rakhine State

There is nothing to think about. Make a holocaust in the areas where only terrorists are dominated. They are acting arrogant. Expel them from the ethnic list and then destroy them. If we still let them live in that area, there will be more and more problems. There should not be any more ungrateful people in the land of Myanmar.

……………………

Translation (23)

Chin State Road has become a major drug-trade road, the thing that has left a dark shadow in Chin State is the drugs. Drug trafficking within Chin State is being carried out by the terrorist AA and inferior terrorist Chin armed groups. Those guys were armed to do drug business. They use weapons to bully Chin people. The only reason why Chin-armed terrorist groups are armed is to trade drugs. They cannot protect the Chin people and the Chin State from AA terrorist groups. The rest is just talking to impress the public.

………………………

Translation (24)

In the battle of Falam in Chin State, 12 dead bodies of Chin people

Due to weak connections, we cannot post photos of those barbarian Chin dead people who eat dogs. We will repost it later.

………………………

About BHRN

Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) is based in London, operates across Burma/Myanmar and works for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in Burma. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.

Media enquiries

Kyaw WinExecutive DirectorBurma Human Rights Network (BHRN)This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.+44(0) 740 345 2378
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