Statement on the Suppression of Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression in Myanmar During Four Years of Military Rule
Date: 1 February 2025.
The Myanmar military unlawfully staged a coup on February 1, 2021, which has led to the suppression of fundamental rights and the collapse of hope for a federal democracy. Today marks four years since the bloody coup in Myanmar, during which countless ethnic civilians have suffered immensely, losing their lives, properties, and freedoms under brutal military rule.
Throughout this period, the military junta has systematically committed grave human rights violations in a deliberate and egregious manner, including sexual violence, gender-based violence, religious and ethnic discrimination, and systematic persecution of ethnic minority groups.
Within four years of the coup, more than 200 Myanmar journalists have been unjustly detained, while 43 journalists are still being held in various prisons across Myanmar under notorious criminal laws that have no legitimate connection to journalism. Most importantly, seven journalists have been brutally executed by the Myanmar military.
Currently, the military junta’s continued violent repression terrorizes innocent civilians on a daily basis, causing increased civilian casualties and widespread destruction of towns and villages, resulting in massive displacement. Additionally, forced conscription, social instability, and insecurity—including rising crime rates—pose yet another serious burden on the people of Myanmar.
Furthermore, the junta’s enactment of an illegitimate Cybersecurity Law has severely restricted the public’s right to freely access information, causing significant harm to the circulation of digital and online news. This act constitutes a direct attack on press freedom in Myanmar.
As a result of severe media suppression, Myanmar is now ranked among the world’s most dangerous countries for press freedom, hindering the critical work of independent media.
In response to these dire circumstances, we call upon all relevant entities to take necessary measures to protect and promote press freedom and freedom of expression in Myanmar. We also urge the Myanmar public to critically analyze the news and verify information disseminated by the military junta, as it is frequently fabricated and manipulated.
To conclude, the Independent Press Council of Myanmar (IPCM) strongly condemns the junta’s unlawful arrests, torture, executions, and imprisonment of journalists and civilians. We demand full accountability for these crimes and call for immediate action.
The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM)
IPCM’s Contact Person
Nan Paw Gay (Chairperson) – 0926067631
Toe Zaw Latt (Secretary) – 0806834240
