Crimes against journalists
Freedom of speech is critical to free and fair elections. Since the military staged a coup in Myanmar they have perpetrated a regime to crush free speech. This has included a growing list of humanitarian crimes against journalists and media outlets reporting in and on behalf of the country.
This is a living page detailing those crimes, which is updated monthly.
If you would like to contact us about a crime against a journalist, please reach out to [email protected]
2021
Htet Htet Khine, a freelance producer for BBC Media Action was arrested. She was accused of harbouring Sithu Aung Myint.
U Zaw Thi Han, a freelance reporter was charged under 505A and abducted by SAC terrorists on July 25 with false accusation of encouraging to bang pots and pans, in Seikphyu Township, Magway Region.
It was reported that freelance journalist Ko Chit Min Hlaing was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment by SAC for reporting and sharing news. He was arrested on 22 April 2021 in Pakokku Township.
The junta revoked the publication license of the Zayar Times News Agency, a Sagaing-based news outlet on July 1, 2021.
De Myat Nyein, reporter at Zeyar Times News Agency, was arrested at his home.
Ko Thet Naing Win, reporter for Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) was sentenced to 3 years in jail by the Minhla Township court in the Bago Region under 505(a) of the Penal Code.
It was reported that Myo Min Aung, freelance photojournalist was arrested by military junta in Thaungdwingyi Township, Magway Region on 10 June 2021.
Aung Kyaw was arrested on March 1, 2021 for reporting about anti-junta demonstrations in Myeik. On June 3, 2021, he was sentenced to two years in prison by the military court.
Zaw Zaw was arrested (approximately) in April 2021 hile covering for Mizzima in Myeik and Dawei. On June 3, 2021, a military court sentenced him to two years in prison.
Ko Zaw Win Maung, a freelance journalist was arrested by military junta in Hpakant Township, Kachin State on 25 May 2021. It was reported that he has been filed a case under two sections by the military. He was previously in charge of the NLD's press service.
Daniel Fenster was arrested at the Yangon Airport on 24 May 2021.
Min Nyo was arrested on March 3, 2021 while covering anti-junta demonstrations in Pyay. On May 12, 2021, the military junta sentenced him to three years in prison under Section 505A of the penal code.
Ministry of Information sent letters to the two media outlets to stop operations, stating that the new agencies were publishing news that threatened national security, peace, and tranquility. The licenses were revoked on 29th April 2021.
Ko Nay Myo Lin, editor in chief of VOM based in Mandalay was taken into interrogation centre by military force. His assistant Ko Shine Aung was also arrested.
Ward administrator, informer and military forces came to arrest Ko Thura Soe, Ex-journalist of DVB News Agency, at night on 25th April without any reason. His two friends (one male and one female) at home were also taken to Shwe Pyi Tar’s interrogation centre.
Military polices and ward administrator came to arrest Tu Tu Tha, her 18-year-old son, her younger brother Ye Naung and her son’s friend Thiha Tun without any reason around 10:30 pm. No further information has been updated but some sources said that they have been detained in Shwe Pyi Tar interrogation centre.
Nyunt Lwin @ Yanway Maung was arrested in Myaung Mya Township, Ayeyarwaddy Region by military junta on 21 April 2021. His family hasn’t got any update of him.
The junta revoked the publication license of the Tachileik News Agency, a Shan-based news outlet on April 20, 2021.
Freelance journalist Ko Naung Yoe was arrested on April 9, 2021, at the Pan Tin bridge near the Hpakant entry point. Another Hpakant news correspondent, Ko Zaw Win Maung was arrested on May 25, 2021, at his home while preparing to cover Lone Khin night strike.
Two journalists, Ko La Raw from Kachin waves and Ma Chan Bu from The74Media, were arrested in Myitkyina.