IPCM calls for immediate release of 27 journalists and stronger media safety guarantees in Myanmar

Mizzima

The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) has issued a five-point demand that includes the immediate and unconditional release of 27 journalists currently imprisoned across the country. This request was made on 19 January during the IPCM’s second general conference, which took place online from17-18 January.

“Myanmar has the second-highest number of imprisoned journalists in the world, following China. This is not just an issue we report on, we are actively collaborating with regional and international press and media councils behind the scenes,” said IPCM Secretary U Toe Zaw Latt in an interview with Mizzima.

U Toe Zaw Latt noted that 14 of the detained journalists are serving long-term sentences and emphasized that they have not been forgotten. The main demands include an immediate cessation of targeted arrests, torture, and imprisonment of journalists, respect for their right to report during armed conflicts, cooperation from authorities to ensure journalists’ safety, and international assistance to support the long-term survival of independent media.

The conference also elected 14 new executive committee members, appointing U Ko Ko Zaw of the Thanlwin Times as chairman and veteran journalist U Toe Zaw Latt as secretary. Additionally, the conference approved a workplace policy aimed at preventing sexual harassment and a policy supporting indigenous language media.

Founded in 2023, the IPCM is primarily focused on promoting media freedom and upholding journalistic ethics in Myanmar.

Tagged Immediate, IPCM, Journalists, Myanmar, Myanmar junta, Stronger media