Norway Police charge Telenor ASA for complicity in crimes against Myanmar nationals, JFM and ICJ Norway welcome

AYEYARWADDY TIMES September 16 Justice For Myanmar (JFM) and ICJ Norway have welcomed the Norwegian police's decision to charge Telenor ASA for its complicity and support in crimes committed against Myanmar nationals by the military junta. Telenor ASA was raided by the police on September 15 for its involvement and support in crimes against humanity committed in Myanmar, including violations of sanctions. Justice For Myanmar and ICJ Norway initially reported to the Norwegian police in December 2024 regarding the charges against Telenor, but after being rejected without investigation, they re-reported to the higher prosecution authority in October 2025, leading to the charges being filed in September 2026, according to the organizations' statement. "We have waited a long time for a serious and independent police investigation. We are now pleased that this is likely to happen. These allegations refer to a range of potential crimes that may be linked to Myanmar's extremely worrying human rights situation and the brutal repression of democracy activists and human rights defenders," said Terje Einarsen, Chairman of the Board of ICJ Norway. Telenor shared critical and sensitive information with the military junta, which is committing human rights violations, and became an accomplice and supporter in war crimes. "We have submitted documentary evidence to the police that can prove that Telenor transferred intelligence software to the illegal military junta and shared sensitive information. These demonstrate the company's and its senior officials' complicity," said Ma Ratana Maung, spokesperson for Justice For Myanmar. In 2022, when Telenor (Myanmar) withdrew from Myanmar, it transferred sanctioned surveillance equipment to M1 Group, a Lebanon-based company with close ties to the military, and Shwe Vayinfyu Company, and Telenor (Myanmar) was renamed ATOM Myanmar. Photo – JFM, social media