JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 04, 2021
Join our WhatsApp channel
The military court of Myanmar has sentenced Aung Kyaw, a reporter from the Democratic Voice of Burma, and Ko Zaw Zaw, a freelance reporter with Mizzima News, under a colonial-era law.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the junta’s use of Section 505(a) of the Penal Code for this breach of press freedom and violation of human rights.
Aung Kyaw and Ko Zaw Zaw have both been sentenced to two years in jail by the military court of Myanmar for spreading misinformation. The two journalists were charged under a newly revised law that criminalizes the spread of misinformation that could ‘abet mutiny.’
During the hearing, Aung Kyaw represented himself as his lawyer was threatened by the military, according to a statement from the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB).
Aung Kyaw was the second journalist from DVB to be convicted since the coup began, alongside Min Nyo, a DVB reporter who was given a three-year jail term for covering anti-military demonstrations.
Similarly, Mizzima said, “[U]nder section 505(a), another ten journalists of Mizzima have been included in the process of prosecution inside prison.”
The military coup and civil war has led to increased violations on the media by Myanmar’s military in recent months. IFJ reporting has found that since the start of the military coup on February 1, at least 87 journalists have been arrested, 45 have been detained and 46 have been prosecuted.
The military’s assault on journalists in Myanmar means that journalists are required to hide their identities or be attacked, resulting in a climate of fear and a democratic deficit for the people of Myanmar.
The IFJ said: “Sentencing journalists to jail because of a claim they are spreading false news is a gratuitous condemnation of free speech and free media. The IFJ urges Myanmar’s military to release detained and arrested journalists and to reform its penal code that has stripped journalists of their rights.” —IFJ media release/Photo: AFP
May 20, 2025: Popular journalist Imran Riaz Khan advises subscribers to use VPN as Pakistan plans to ban several YouTube channels including his with 5.86 million followers.
May 19, 2025: CPJ urges Pakistan to restore Ahmad Noorani’s blocked YouTube channel and stop harassing his family. The journalist could face three-year jail under cybercrime laws amid escalating media crackdown.
May 15, 2025: Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.
May 12, 2025: PFUJ pays tribute to journalists flogged under General Zia’s martial law in 1978, vowing to resist modern censorship and uphold press freedom in Pakistan.
May 09, 2025: In a bizarre media meltdown, Indian TV channels declared war on Pakistan, claimed imaginary victories and pushed fake narratives—leaving even Indian viewers stunned and apologetic.
May 05, 2025: India has banned prominent Pakistani journalist Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel, expanding its crackdown on 16 other Pakistani media outlets. The move follows accusations of "false narratives" against India.
May 03, 2025: Pakistan's press freedom under severe threat as PFUJ condemns repressive laws and systematic journalist harassment on World Press Freedom Day. Union reports journalist killings, financial targeting, and government failure to implement safety measures.
May 02, 2025: Dawn has strongly denied publishing any report claiming that TTP stole a PAF F-16 fighter jet, labeling the viral screenshot as fake and digitally manipulated.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.