Ranked at 180th, North Korea, followed by China at 179th, Vietnam at 178th, and Myanmar at 173rd, represent Asia's one-party regimes and dictatorships that exert the greatest constraints on journalism. In these nations, leaders intensify their totalitarian grip on public discourse.

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Myanmar Press Freedom Index - 2022 Vs 2023

RSF reported that General Min Aung Hlaing, leader of the Myanmar junta "openly promotes a policy of terror towards journalists who do not toe the junta’s line." In addition to frequently resorting to arbitrary measures, the generals consistently invoke Section 505 (a) of the penal code, which broadly criminalizes "false information" and carries a three-year prison sentence. They also utilize Section 66 (d) of the telecommunications law, another outdated legal provision that criminalizes defamation and empowers authorities to imprison journalists for up to three years if their writings are disputed by anyone. 

Journalism in Myanmar poses substantial risks, including the threats of imprisonment, torture, and murder, making it an exceptionally perilous profession. Myanmar has emerged as one of the leading nations globally in imprisoning journalists, second only to China. Furthermore, in relation to its population, Myanmar holds the unfortunate distinction of being the country with the second highest rate of journalist imprisonment. Reports from Myanmar's prisons reveal severe conditions and widespread use of torture. The junta's actions have resulted in the deaths of at least four journalists, with two succumbing to abusive treatment while in custody.

The latest figures from RSF show that 69 journalists and one media worker are currently detained in Myanmar. We have also regularly updated our database of the Myanmar junta's crimes against journalists and media outlets. The proposed sham elections by the Myanmar junta will never be free and fair, as long as the oppression against the media persists.