Norway police investigate Telenor over suspected crimes against humanity in Myanmar

Ayeyarwaddy Times September 16, 2021 – Norwegian police officially announced on September 15 that Telenor, a telecommunications company, is being investigated on suspicion of aiding and abetting crimes against humanity in Myanmar following the military coup in February 2021. The investigation is also linked to potential violations of sanctions, and the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) and the Police Security Service (PST) have conducted searches at Telenor's headquarters in Oslo. According to the police statement, while the military council's forces were committing various forms of violent oppression against civilians, Telenor Myanmar repeatedly transferred call records and data history of its users to the military council. An organization based in Sweden has filed a class-action lawsuit against Telenor, alleging that the company provided call and location data of individuals opposing the military council, which led to a prominent activist being sentenced to death. Telenor is also being investigated for failing to obtain permission from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to transfer and sell restricted intelligence equipment to a company linked to the military. In response to this matter, Telenor has stated that it is cooperating closely with the investigative bodies and will assist as much as possible to uncover the truth. Telenor stated that the coup was a tragic blow to the people of Myanmar, who were left with no viable alternative. Telenor explained that its employees could not defy orders without risking their lives, as disobedience to the military council's orders could result in imprisonment, torture, or even the death penalty. Justice For Myanmar (JFM), which has reported information in collaboration with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), welcomed the Norwegian police's investigation. Ma Yatanar Maung, a spokesperson for JFM, said that they expect Telenor to take responsibility and accountability for its actions that harmed the people of Myanmar, including the transfer of intelligence technology and the provision of confidential information to individuals connected to the military. Following the military coup, Telenor sold its operations in Myanmar and exited the country in March 2022. Reference – Reuters