Myanmar

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a country in Southeast Asia, sharing borders with India, China, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Laos. Its capital is Naypyidaw, while Yangon (Rangoon) is the largest city and economic hub. Myanmar is known for its diverse cultures, ethnic groups, and rich history, including ancient Buddhist temples like Bagan. The country has faced significant political upheaval, from British colonial rule to military dictatorships and more recently, a fragile democracy.

The military junta, known as the Tatmadaw, has wielded substantial power over Myanmar’s governance for decades. In February 2021, the military staged a coup, ousting the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and sparking nationwide protests and international condemnation. The coup led to severe crackdowns on dissent, with thousands of arrests, deaths, and displacements across the country. The international community, including organizations like the United Nations, has raised concerns over human rights violations and the state of democracy in Myanmar.

In August 2024, BOOM fact-checked a viral video falsely claiming to show Hindus being killed in Bangladesh.

BOOM’s investigation found that the video was originally recorded in the Rakhine State of Myanmar in June 2024, not in Bangladesh. The video showed violence related to the ongoing ethnic conflicts within Myanmar, often involving the Rohingya and other minority groups.