Myanmar junta crushes journalists, but news still gets out

Media organizations defy ban as regime curbs freedoms, cuts internet access

A newsstand in Yangon: The collapse or voluntary closures of local publications marks a sharp reversal from the boom in independent daily national newspapers in the preceding decade. © AP

RORY WALLACE, Contributing writer, and GWEN ROBINSON, Nikkei Asia editor-at-large

March 26, 2021 18:09 JST

YANGON/BANGKOK -- As Myanmar's military junta seeks to crush the country's media -- through crackdowns on independent publications, arrests and restrictions on reporting -- concerns are rising about the long-term future of press freedom and safety of journalists in the country.

Since its Feb. 1 coup, the military regime led by Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has arrested at least 46 journalists, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), which monitors arrests. At least 23 remain in jail on charges related to sedition or violating public order.