Two Myanmar journalists released after detention by the Kachin Independence Army

Two Myanmar journalists held by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) for almost a month have been released. The journalists, Ko Tar Lin Maung and Ko Naung Yoe, were held from September 29 to October 27, 2024, when they were released at noon.

In a message shared on social media, Ko Naung Yoe expressed his gratitude to supporters and noted that both journalists were released in good health.

The two journalists were reportedly arrested over Ko Tar Lin Maung’s reporting on an incident involving KIA. On September 26, 2024, KIA personnel rescued workers trapped in a restaurant in Saitaung village amid nearby clashes.

According to sources close to the journalists, KIA officers ordered the arrest following this report.

KIA Information Officer Major Naw Bu later confirmed their arrest and stated that they were being held for questioning by KIA frontline personnel. The arrests sparked widespread criticism from press freedom advocates, with media organizations and associations labeling the detentions as unjust.

The Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA) discussed the issue on October 23 and published an open letter calling for the immediate release of the journalists.

The IMJA emphasized that both journalists worked in accordance with journalistic ethics. Following the release, IMJA’s Vice Chairman Ko Naing expressed satisfaction with the outcome and acknowledged the KIA’s decision.

He stressed that the IMJA would continue to seek cooperation with armed groups to ensure the safety of journalists, adding: “We hope that the KIA will engage in constructive dialogue with the media community, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.”

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also called on the KIA to clarify the reasons for detention and improve protection of journalists working in conflict areas.

RSF Asia-Pacific Bureau Director Cédric Alviani compared the KIA’s actions to Myanmar’s military regime, saying the contactless detention of journalists resembles “the same arbitrary and repressive tactics” as under military rule.

Alviani urged KIA leaders to prevent similar incidents in the future, noting that such detentions endanger the free flow of information from the region.

Local media sources indicated that the arrest could be a result of Ko Tar Lin Maung’s critical social media posts about the KIA, while Naung Yoe was reportedly arrested while investigating the disappearance of his colleague.

The arrests are the first time that a journalist has been detained by an insurgent group since the military coup in February 2021, according to RSF.

The challenges for journalists in Myanmar have increased since the coup, which led to a sweeping crackdown on media freedom across the country.

According to RSF, Myanmar ranks 171st out of 180 countries on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, with only China detaining more journalists. In addition to the seven journalists killed since February 2021, more than 150 have been threatened with prison, while 64 remain held in junta-controlled prisons.

In March 2022, Naung Yoe had already been sentenced by the junta to one year and seven months for covering anti-coup protests, underscoring the continued risks faced by reporters in Myanmar.

The military’s aggressive attitude towards journalism has also led to the closure of fifteen media outlets since the coup. To address this crisis, RSF recently launched the Myanmar Press Freedom Project in Thailand, providing support to exiled media workers and those still operating in Myanmar.

Commenting on the release of the detained journalists, a freelance journalist highlighted the ongoing risks, stating: “Journalists need the freedom to provide the public with accurate information. Arrests by the military and other groups threaten this freedom. Protecting press freedom is crucial.”

The arrest of journalists by both state and non-state actors illustrates Myanmar’s deteriorating media landscape, with press freedom activists calling for urgent reforms.