Statement on urging Free Press Access: Myanmar Earthquake Coverage
Date: 1 April 2025.
1. The catastrophic magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28th constitutes a seismic event of unprecedented severity in the nation’s modern history. The resulting devastation across Sagaing, Mandalay, TadaOo, Myithar, Pyawphwe, Naypyidaw, Pyinmanar, and Taungoo has been extensive, with a rapidly escalating death toll and widespread destruction of residential, infrastructural, and religious sites.
2. Unimpeded access for journalists to the affected regions is imperative. Their presence, alongside domestic and international rescue personnel, is crucial for accurate and timely dissemination of information, essential for effective emergency response and rehabilitation efforts. Media coverage is vital to ensure transparency and accountability in the provision of aid and support to affected communities.
3. The military council’s imposition of internet blockades and censorship represents a grave impediment to disaster relief and exacerbates the suffering of the affected populace. The immediate cessation of these restrictions is non-negotiable. Furthermore, the deployment of satellite communication systems, such as Starlink, offered by the international community, is essential for vital communication and should be authorized without delay.
4. The military council’s documented history of arbitrarily detaining journalists covering disaster zones is a matter of profound concern. The egregious case of Sai Zaw Thaik, a photojournalist from Myanmar Now, who was unjustly sentenced to 20 years by a military tribunal on fabricated charges following his coverage of Cyclone Mocha, exemplifies this pattern of repression. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Sai Zaw Thaik and all other journalists unjustly detained.
5. The exclusion of international media from reporting on the earthquake’s aftermath, as indicated by General Zaw Min Tun’s pronouncements, is a blatant violation of press freedom and a deliberate attempt to obscure the scale of the disaster. We categorically denounce this obstruction and insist upon the unfettered right of journalists, both domestic and international, to report on this crisis, for the sake of the affected population, the international community, and humanitarian aid organizations.”
The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM)
IPCM’s Contact Person
Nan Paw Gay (Chairperson) +66 (0) 926067631
Toe Zaw Latt (Secretary) +66 (0) 806834240
Ye Ni (Member) +66 (0) 93 221 0452