Violation of Media Freedom in October 2024
October 2024 was not an unproblematic month for the media industry and journalists covering the events on the ground. Press freedom continued to be threatened by surveillance from digital platforms, telecommunications blackouts, arbitrary arrests, and persecution by the junta’s troops. According to research from Athan, there were significant incidents involving two journalists from independent media outlets who were injured due to an air strike in Hsipaw, Shan State. Additionally, the home of the editor of the Thanlwin Times was confiscated.
Released
Two journalists from Hpakhant, Tar Lin Maung and Naung Yoe, were released by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) on 27 October 2024 after being arrested on 29 September 2024. Tar Lin Maung, a reporter for the Red News Agency, was detained for posting a news report on his social media account. The report stated, “The Commander of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) was forced by another KIO officer, Lion, to rescue the staff from Jade Garden (Restaurant & Pool).” After learning about the incident, Naung Yoe followed up out of security concerns and was subsequently detained.
Injured
On September 23, 2024, Mai A Nai from Shwe Phee Myay and Ko Gyi, also known as Thura Aung, from Thanlwin Khet were injured, along with other civilians, while resting in their tents and covering news at the front line of the war zone. This occurred when the junta’s jet fighter unexpectedly bombed the area. Although they received an “Aviation Hazard Warning” in advance, they chose to remain in a safe area to capture footage of the bombardment. Ko Gyi sustained severe injuries to his leg, while Mai A Nai was in good condition. Ko Gyi is currently receiving medical treatment in a safe location.
Confiscated
The military junta confiscated the family house of Ko Ko Zaw, editor of Thanlwin Times in Mawlamyine, Mon State, on 26 October 2024 as state property because he was on the run. This action appears to be a form of intentional oppression, as it creates an unjust narrative suggesting that his father, a political activist, has connections to resistance groups. In fact, this is not the first time that his family’s properties have been confiscated, as the military regime back in 1997 revoked their family-owned private business and a printing house. Ko Ko Zaw himself was imprisoned for seven years, while his father served six years in jail. Furthermore, Ko Ko Zaw was warranted under two unspecified charges by the Ministry of Information and Public Relations in Mon State. Related to this incident, he mentioned he had no particular emotion to the loss compared to the sufferings of the revolution except sadness in the mainstream media. After Thanlwin Times’ newsroom was once raided on 25 June 2021, the whole team had to relocate to a safer place for the security matter.
Update on Monitoring Media Repression in Myanmar
| Journalists and media workers | October 2024 | Female | Male | Total since the 2021 attempted coup to as of October 2024) |
| Arrested | 26 | 189 | 215 | |
| In detention/serving jail sentences | 5 | 49 | 54 | |
| Released | 22 | 133 | 155 | |
| Died | – | 11 | 11 | |
| Convicted | 1 | 12 | 66 | 78 |
| Warranted | 8 | 48 | 56 | |
| News and other licenses | ||||
| News licenses cancelled | 15 | |||
| Printing/publishing permits revoked | 11 | |||