Bago journalists protest against oppression
A protest by journalists in eastern Bago Region against media oppression was held on December 22 in Nyaunglaypin.
According to Nay Lin Htike, the leader of the protest, the courts are the main target of their anger.
Nay Lin Htike said: “If we want to gather any news at all at the courts, we have to submit a request three days in advance which, even then, will depend on the judge’s decision. This hurts us and the people because we cannot update news in time.
"There also are restrictions where you aren’t allowed to bring items like cameras, recorders or phones into government buildings. In one incident a fight broke out over property issues with Zalotegone villagers and court staff. The journalists that came to gather news were threatened with legal action if they stayed. They were also shoved and hassled physically. These kind of things are the reasons why we are here to protest against oppression and to demand press freedom,” said Nay Lin Htike.
The 40 men marched through several roads before they reached Nyaunglaypin's court, where they stayed until it was time for them to disperse.
They also held a small prayer session for their fallen “media comrade”, the Eleven Media Group’s Soe Moe Tun from Monywa, praying that his soul would find peace and that the murderers will be brought to justice quickly.
