World's press condemns attack on Eleven Group CEO in Myanmar
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The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the World Editors Forum have condemned an attack on Eleven Media Group Chairman and CEO Dr ThanHtut Aung that appears to have been a coordinated assault.
Dr Aung’s car was attacked by slingshot-wielding men who witnesses reported were waiting along his route home at a point where traffic is regularly at a standstill. The vehicle’s windows were broken but Dr Aung was unharmed.
The men and three accomplices fled the scene shortly after the incident.
“Such an assault will not deter us from our on-going efforts and commitment to journalistic standards at Eleven Media Group,” said Dr Aung.
Dr ThanHtut Aung is the laureate of the 2013 WAN-IFRA Golden Pen of Freedom. He and his editorial staff have campaigned for transparency and government accountability against a repressive political atmosphere since the media group was founded 15 years ago.
The attack comes weeks after contempt of court charges were filed against 17 Eleven Media Group journalists for news coverage of a separate trial involving five of its senior employees – including Dr Aung - who are facing charges of defamation following the publication of a report detailing possible corruption within the Ministry of Information.
“We strongly condemn this attack and call on the Myanmar authorities to launch a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice,” said a statement from WAN-IFRA. “We commend Dr Aung for his courage and determined commitment to a democratic Myanmar, and support his efforts to encourage a functioning free and independent news media in the country.”
