Narinjara News, May 4,  2025 

The Independent Press Council of Myanmar (IPCM) announced on World Press Freedom Day that since the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, seven journalists, including Rakhine journalist Ko Phoe Thiha, have lost their lives, while approximately 40 journalists have been detained. 

Among those who were wrongfully detained between February 1, 2021, and May 3, 2025, precisely 40 journalists, consisting of 33 men and 7 women, remain incarcerated. 

Throughout that time, precisely 7 reporters were slain in the journalism field. 

As per a compilation by the Independent Press Council of Myanmar (IPCM), the seven journalists who lost their lives were: 

1. Ko Soe Naing (freelance photojournalist) was arrested while reporting on a silent news story and passed away during questioning.

2. A Sai Kay (b) Sai Win Aung (editor, Federal Journal) was killed by an artillery shell fired by the military council while reporting on a battle.

3. Pu Tuidim (editor-in-chief, founder of Khao Nu Thum News Agency) was captured and killed in the battlefield. 

4. Ko Lin Lin Tun (freelance reporter) died while reporting. 

5. Phoe Thi Ha (b) Myat Thu Tun (freelance writer) was murdered shortly after being freed from incarceration. 

6. Htet Myat Thu (freelance reporter) was killed during a military council raid. 

7. Win Htut Oo (b) Faizal (reporter, DVB News Agency) was murdered during a military council raid. 

Among the 40 imprisoned journalists, eleven reporters have received prison sentences varying from 10 years to life. The individuals include Shin Devi (life sentence), Sai Zaw Thaik (20 years in prison), Aung San Oo (20 years in prison), Myo Myint Oo (life sentence), Ko Myo San Soe (15 years in prison), Hmu Yadanar Khet Moh Moh Htun (13 years in prison), Sithu Aung Myint (12 years in prison), Nyaung Wai (11 years and 3 months), Ma Wai Wai Lwin (10 years in prison), Ko Thu Rein Kyaw (10 years in prison), and Ko Khaing Myint Htun (b) Shwe Lin Thit (10 years in prison). 

The Myanmar Women in Media (MWiM) released a statement on World Press Freedom Day, highlighting that women journalists encounter the same dangers as their male colleagues and are also vulnerable to gender discrimination and sexual violence. The importance of women journalists is vital for the existence of free and independent media. 

"On World Press Freedom Day, MWiM calls on everyone to unite in advocating for press freedom in Myanmar and to assist and support the female journalists of Myanmar," it stated.