A recent statement by the Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) reveals detailed figures on the Myanmar junta's crimes against journalists and media outlets, underscoring the severe oppression and suppression of freedom of speech and expression faced by Myanmar's journalists and media.
The statement, released by IPCM on 25 January, 2025 details the number of arrested and imprisoned journalists since the Myanmar military staged an attempted coup on 1 February, 2021.
Key Figures
- In the period between 1 February, 2021 and January 2025, Myanmar junta arrested more than 200 journalists. At least 30 and at most 60 journalists have been imprisoned by the Myanmar junta in various prisons across the country.
- As of January 25, 2025, 43 journalists remain imprisoned by the Myanmar junta. Eleven of them are serving lengthy sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison. The rest are serving sentences ranging from 3 years to 10 years in prison.
- Seven journalists have lost their lives due to the Myanmar junta's arrests, torture, and killings while carrying out their media duties.
- The Myanmar junta primarily used Sections 505A and 505B of the Penal Code, along with the Counterterrorism Law, to charge journalists.
- The Myanmar junta also revoked licenses of 15 media outlets and unilaterally amended media-related laws.
Infographic Detailing The Figures Above
