A military court in Myanmar has handed down a life prison sentence to a local journalist and sentenced another journalist to 20 years in prison under a counterterrorism law. These are the most severe sentences given to journalists since the military seized power in February 2021. Myanmar is known for being one of the biggest jailers of journalists in the world, ranked 171st out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom. Last week, two freelance journalists were killed during a raid by security forces in southern Myanmar, adding to the growing number of media workers persecuted by the military government.
The journalists from Dawei Watch, Myo Myint Oo and Aung San Oo, were arrested separately last December at their homes in Myeik. Both men were convicted under Myanmar’s Counterterrorism Law, which punishes acts of violence and recruitment for terrorist activities. The chief editor of Dawei Watch stated that he was recently informed of the sentences but waited to disclose the information until the safety of the journalists’ families could be ensured. The editor emphasized that the sentences imposed on the two journalists were unjust and called for their immediate release.
The recent crackdown on independent media in Myanmar has led to the arrest of several journalists, with some still detained and facing charges related to incitement or violating the Counterterrorism Law. Media outlets, including Dawei Watch, now operate semi-clandestinely online to avoid arrest, while others work from exile. The military government has been accused of illegally detaining and interrogating journalists without providing them with a fair legal defense. The statement released by Dawei Watch condemned the government’s actions and demanded the release of the imprisoned journalists.
The harsh sentencing of journalists in Myanmar is part of a broader strategy to instill fear among reporters and suppress independent media. Organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists have raised concerns about the deteriorating press freedom situation in the country, with reports of media workers being tortured and killed while in detention. At least seven media workers have been killed since the military takeover, and numerous journalists have been arrested and imprisoned. The crackdown on the media has led to the closure of several outlets and the revocation of media licenses.
The international community has condemned the actions of the military government in Myanmar and called for the immediate release of journalists and media workers. Press freedom advocates have highlighted the need to protect journalists and ensure their safety in an increasingly hostile environment for media workers. The ongoing civil war and armed resistance in Myanmar have created a dangerous situation for reporters, who face threats to their lives and freedom as they continue to report on the country’s political crisis. It remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the worsening press freedom situation in Myanmar.
