Myanmar: CFWIJ condemns the crackdown on the journalist community and demands that all detained journalists be immediately released.

February 23, 2021, Yangon: At least eight journalists have faced detentions including Shwe Yee Win for criticizing the military takeover in the country. Authorities have also doubled down on censorship by warning the press council regarding the language they are using to describe the political situation in the country, as well as through frequent suspension of social media. 

On February 11, the police and military officers arrested freelance journalist Shwe Yee Win in Pathein, Three days later on February 14, 74 Media broadcaster editor-in-chief Htoi Awng and camera operator Naw Seng, Mizzima News news website reporter Sai Latt Aung, and Eternity Peace News Network reporters Ko Wai Yan and Ko Yan Kaung were also arrested for covering a rally protesting the military coup in northern Kachin State. It has come to light that the five journalists were released the next after signing documents that promising that they would not violate the curfew timings and the emergency laws prohibiting congregation of more than five people. It is, however, still unclear if Shwe Yee Win’s was released.

The Ministry of Information also issued a statement to the Myanmar Press Council, warning them to not use words like “coup” and “junta” to describe the government takeover and the authorities currently in power. According to the ministry, these are “incorrect” words that could cause “acts of instigation that may arouse civil unrest” resulting in legal action. The current regime has also proposed a law that would require local internet service providers to reveal the details of users whose online content can  “cause hatred, destroy unity and tranquility” or be “untruthful news or rumors”. Users targeted by the government in such cases could potentially face three years in prison. Several telecommunications groups rejected the notification for being issued by an illegitimate government. However, despite the resistance, these are worrying signs for the future.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is extremely concerned about the situation that is shaping up in Myanmar right now. We are particularly worried about Shwe Yee Win, whose whereabouts are currently unknown. We demand that authorities in Myanmar respect civil liberties and the will of its people. Authorities should also make clear if Shwe Yee Win is in their custody, and if so, she should be immediately released.