CPJ calls for justice to murdered journalist Pho Thiha

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible for the murder of journalist Phoe Thiha by the military regime.

Myanmar authorities must conduct a credible and independent investigation into the killing of journalist Phoe Thiha (aka) Ko Myat Thu Tun and ensure swift actions against the perpetrators, CPJ said on Friday.

“We strongly condemn the murder of journalist Myat Thu Tan and call on Myanmar authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible,” Shawn Crispin, CPJ’s southeast Asia representative, said in a statement.

On 16 February, CPJ called for action to be taken against the perpetrators responsible for the killing and burial of journalist Phoe Thiha by the junta's 540th battalion based in Mrauk-U township of Rakhine State.

“A culture of impunity has taken deep root in Myanmar since the 2021 democracy-suspending coup. The junta must stop killing, and start protecting the journalists,” added Shawn Crispin.

On 20 September 2022, Phoe Thiha was arrested from his residence in Mrauk-U locality by the junta soldiers and police personnel. He was charged under section 505(a) and held in custody at Mrauk-U Myoma police station.

Phoe Thiha  was one of the victims including Ko Kyaw Zan Wai (aka) Phoe La Pyae (aka) Rain Shoet, Ko Kyaw Thein Hlaing, Ko Kyaw Win Hlaing, Ko Ko Nyunt, Ko Win Naing and  Ko Pyae Sone Win in Mrauk-U cell, whose bodies were recovered by Arakan Army fighters after capturing the Mrauk-U town. Two other political prisoners namely  Ko Nyi Nyi Aung (aka) Aung Zaw Win and  U Kyaw Nyunt were also found dead in Minbya.

Journalist Pho Thiha used to contribute news related articles to various media outlets including DVB, 7Day News, The Voice, etc with Rakhine-based media organisations.

Myanmar is ranked 9th on CPJ’s latest global impunity index, an annual global ranking of countries where the killers of scribes habitually get away with murder.

According to CPJ’s 2023 prison census, Myanmar is also the world’s second-worst jailer of journalists.