The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) has urged
the authority to release all the journalists, who were arrested by the military
junta.
On Independence Day (4 January), a number of
imprisoned individuals were released including three journalists namely
Ko Kaung Satt Lin, Ko Tun Than Aung and Ko Toe Aung (a former reporter of
Mekong News).
According to a statement issued by the IPCM, a total
of 170 journalists have been arrested and many of them have been imprisoned by
the junta since 1 February 2021.
Till date, 118 journalists have been released, while
52 are still serving prison terms in different jails across Myanmar.
The IPCM, while condemning the arrest and
detentions of the journalists, called for unconditional releases of all
journalists.
"Our journalists are being arrested and
imprisoned arbitrarily under various sections of law. We strongly condemn these
illegal actions. Ma Shin Daewi, a former journalist and filmmaker, is one
such example of unjust arrest and imprisonment. We refuse to accept this
injustice. Additionally, 52 journalists still remain behind the bars. For them,
journalism is not just a profession, but means to obtain and distribute
information for the benefit of the public. The IPCM is fully committed to take
practical measures to secure unconditional releases of all journalists,"
said IPCM secretary U Toe Zaw Latt.
Furthermore, reiterating that journalism is not a crime, the IPCM has expressed
its commitment to pursue the release of all arrested journalists and also
ensure a safe ambience for them on duty.
Photo: DW