Journalists condemn government repression

Journalists from various media outlets have criticised the imprisonment and persecution of media professionals at a meeting held on Saturday.

Mizzima reporter Yae Khae was charged on Friday for holding an illegal demonstration in support of Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) reporter Zaw Pe, who was recently imprisoned for reporting a story back in 2012. 

DVB bureau chief Toe Zaw Latt questioned whether the local media could carry on with their business if the government continued to harass journalists using obscure laws such as trespassing and disturbing officials on duty. 

Journalists agreed to join forces to defend their rights as the government creates new restrictions on local journalists and shorter visa allowances on foreign journalists.

 

“Suppressing the media”

“Media laws have their weak points. What can we do when the government doesn’t reply to our complaints? It says nothing about who journalists should contact. So journalists should make a demand on this particular point,” said advocate Kayw Min. He added that there were court reporters during the time of U Nu’s government after independence, and they were free to cover any news in court. He suggested journalists should demand the appointment of court reporters.

“Some journalists are being convicted under criminal charges. In fact, media laws should apply here if a person is arrested while doing media work. If not, it means suppressing media people,” said MP Khine Maung Yi.

NHK reporter Thi Ha said that, according to his experience, some regional reporters were lacking in media ethics and so news organisations should pay close attention to their regional reporters. He also suggested an all-inclusive media conference, and other journalists agreed.

Zin Lin from the Thailand-based Myanmar Media Organisation said that freedom of the press is still limited in neighbouring countries. He said protection of the media should be carried out both in the short and long terms. He also highlighted the need for cooperation with international media organisations.

On Friday, media professionals based in Pyay and Aunglan of northern Bago region staged a protest demanding press freedom and the release of jailed journalists.

Although permission for the demonstration was denied, 15 reporters and other activists rallied in front of Bogyoke statue, the Shwesandaw Pagoda, the administration office and the region’s court.

“When doing some investigating reporting, I was once driven out while interviewing farmers in the corridor of the administration office. I was warned that I could be arrested under some of the laws. I was also driven out from the city development office for the reason of ‘inaccessibility’,” DVB reporter in Pyay Min Nyo said.

Although officials refused three times to give the protesters assembly permits, the rallyists went ahead with their demonstration, shouting slogans and holding up posters demanding press freedom.

“This demonstration is not intended for only one town but for oppressed journalists across the whole country and the whole world. If this happens again, we will 

demonstrate again. I wish the jailed journalists will be set free as soon as possible,” one of the protesting journalists said.