Than Shwe ordered the confiscation of all cell phones and laptops and computers so no reportage could come out of Burma. It seemed clear that a demon, something diabolical, rather than something compassionate and human was in charge of Burma.

The quote, "Than Shwe ordered the confiscation of all cell phones and laptops and computers so no reportage could come out of Burma. It seemed clear that a demon, something diabolical, rather than something compassionate and human was in charge of Burma," comes from Clarissa Pinkola Estés, a psychologist, post-trauma specialist, and author. In this statement, Estés reflects on the oppressive actions of Than Shwe, the former military leader of Burma (now Myanmar), who imposed strict control over communication during times of political unrest. By confiscating cell phones, laptops, and computers, he prevented news and reports from leaving the country, ensuring that the international community remained unaware of the situation. Estés describes the actions of Than Shwe as being governed by a diabolical force, contrasting the lack of compassion and the cruelty of the regime with the natural human desire for freedom and justice.

The origin of this quote lies in the period of military rule in Burma, particularly around the 2007 Saffron Revolution, when the government cracked down on protests and dissent. During this time, the military junta led by Than Shwe sought to silence any form of reporting or information dissemination. Estés, in her commentary, uses strong language to describe the inhumanity of the actions, suggesting that the regime's actions were not only politically oppressive but morally corrupt as well.

In a broader sense, the quote speaks to the themes of authoritarianism and censorship, where those in power resort to extreme measures to suppress information and prevent the outside world from learning the truth. Estés likens the actions of the regime to something out of a nightmare, emphasizing how the refusal to allow communication is a sign of a regime’s fear of transparency and accountability. The description of the leader as a "demon" further underscores the extreme nature of the oppression faced by the people of Burma under Than Shwe’s rule.

Ultimately, Estés’s quote serves as a critique of the abuses of power in authoritarian regimes and the dehumanizing effects of such control. It underscores the importance of freedom of expression and the right to information, showing how the suppression of these rights is a direct attack on human dignity and the ability to resist oppressive forces.