Athan releases updated report on journalism and media safety in Myanmar

Mizzima

Athan has released its latest report, “Update on Journalism and Media Safety in Myanmar: April to June 2026.”

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing challenges, risks, and systemic threats faced by independent journalists and media workers operating across the country during the second quarter of the year. Through rigorous monitoring and field data, the report highlights critical safety concerns, patterns of repression, and the media community’s continuous resilience under increasingly hostile conditions.

Here are some key findings below:

Key Media Suppression Figures (Q2 2026)

According to Athan’s continuous monitoring records:

Release: 1 journalist (documentary filmmaker Shin Daewe) was released under amnesty in April after being sentenced to life imprisonment under Section 50(j) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.

Current Detentions: 17 journalists (15 men, 2 women) remain behind bars or serving heavy prison terms as of June 2026.

Cumulative Impact (Since the February 2021 Coup):

216 journalists and news workers have been arrested.

11 journalists have lost their lives.

86 convictions documented, with the majority prosecuted under vague counter-terrorism provisions and sedition charges.

Major Developments & Emerging Trends

1. Orchestrated Civilian Facade & License Revocations

Despite attempts by the military leadership to rebrand itself following the recent elections, repressive control remains absolute. During this quarter:

The regime revoked the operating licenses of 6 media outlets (Khonumthung Media Group, Chin World, Nowadays News, Myaelatt Athan, Red News Agency, and Asia Citizens), bringing the total number of revoked news licenses to 22 since the coup.

Martial law remains imposed across 60 townships, allowing military tribunals to prosecute journalists under media laws without legal representation.

2. Institutionalisation of Disinformation & Psychological Warfare

The regime formed an inter-ministerial Information Sheet team (combining Military Intelligence, Psychological Warfare, and Cyber Security units) to intensify counter-propaganda and public intimidation.

The regime reconstituted the state-controlled Myanmar Media Development Group (MMDG) to project a misleading appearance of cooperation with international bodies while expanding disinformation training on platforms like Telegram and TikTok.

3. Gender-Based Harassment & Safety in Conflict Zones

Female field reporter Khin Tharaphi Oo (Thanlwin Khet News) was subjected to targeted online sexual harassment and physical threats, prompting calls for accountability to the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA).

Frontline journalists established the Arakan Press Council (APC) to uphold journalistic ethics and enhance protection amid severe conflict risks.

The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) launched a dedicated Media Safety and Protection Program providing emergency relocation and legal residency support.

4. Voice from the Field: In-Depth Interview

The report also features an exclusive interview with Han Thar Nyein (Co-founder of Kamayut Media), reflecting on his four years of imprisonment, systemic digital surveillance, and why the military’s rebranded political transition offers no genuine space for press freedom.