Increased attacks on media freedom in Burma raise human rights fears

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) expresses its shock and concern over the worsening human rights conditions and media freedom and safety in Burma. On September 28 the military’s attempts to suppress peaceful pro-democratic protests resulted in several deaths and many injuries, including the death of Japanese photojournalist, Kenji Nagai.

Flows of news within Burma and abroad have slowed considerably in the past week, and foreign news correspondents have become victim to harassment and attacks by the military.

Reporters Without Borders has estimated that in the past week four journalists have disappeared and 10 others have been injured.

IFJ shares Reporters Without Borders’ concern that Burma’s strategy of targeting the media and the free flow of information to other countries could ultimately reproduce the outcome of the 1988 protests, where the massacre of around 3,000 protesters did not reach the outside world until after the bloodshed was over.

“The presence of free media in Burma is more important than ever, as it keeps the Burmese government in the international spotlight and holds them accountable,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said. “The world was too late in preventing the horrific outcome of the 1988 protests due to a lack of media coverage and access to information from within Burma.

“The junta must not be permitted to cut off Burma from media coverage and international scrutiny, lest we learn of greater human right abuses and murders only after these events.”

Other attempts from the Burmese government to target the media and isolate the country include the closure of internet cafes and disconnecting access to the internet on September 28, as well as the closure of some Burmese publications after they refused to publish government propaganda.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0919

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 114 countries

IMPORTANT NOTICE: INBOX is an archive of press releases, statements, announcements, letters to the editors, and manifestos sent to PinoyPress for publication. Please email your materials to pinoypress @ gmail.com. PinoyPress is not responsible for the content of these materials. The opinion expessed in these items does not reflect those of PinoyPress and its staff. Please refer to our terms of use/disclaimer.