The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) has condemned the ongoing detention of over 40 journalists by Myanmar’s military junta, urging the regime to release all media workers without delay or conditions. The call comes as the global media rights organization highlights the severe crackdown on press freedom since the military coup in February 2021, which ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
PEC expressed support for the Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM), which has meticulously documented the impact of the junta’s actions on the media. According to IPCM, at least seven journalists have been killed and over 200 arrested under the Min Aung Hlaing-led military regime. In addition, 11 journalists are serving long prison sentences, and the number of detained media workers could be higher than reported.
The junta has employed a range of harsh laws, such as the Unlawful Associations Act and the Counter-Terrorism Law, to justify the arrests of journalists. PEC president Blaise Lempen condemned these actions, noting that many media outlets have been forced to cease operations, and numerous journalists have fled the country to escape the regime’s repression.
“We call for the immediate release of all detained journalists and political prisoners. The military regime must also compensate the families of those killed in the course of their journalistic duties,” said Lempen.
PEC’s Southeast Asia representative, Nava Thakuria, provided further details on the journalists who have lost their lives since the coup. Among the victims are Ko Myat Thu Tun of the Democratic Voice of Burma, Htet Myat Thu of Voice of Thanbyuzayat, and several other prominent journalists who have been targeted by the junta. These cases, along with those of many other detained media workers, have been recorded by PEC and IPCM, which are actively documenting the ongoing media casualties.
The call for justice continues as PEC urges the international community to hold the Myanmar military accountable for its systematic suppression of free press and its ongoing attacks on journalists.
Key Points:
- PEC calls for the immediate and unconditional release of over 40 journalists detained by Myanmar’s military junta.
- At least 7 journalists have been killed, and more than 200 arrested since the February 2021 coup.
- Harsh laws, including the Counter-Terrorism Law and Unlawful Associations Act, have been used to silence the press.
- The PEC urges the junta to compensate the families of fallen journalists and cease its media repression.
- IPCM and PEC continue to document the growing list of media casualties and detentions.
