On October 23, the Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA) urged for the immediate release of journalists Ko Naung Yoe and Ko Thar Lin Maung, who are currently detained by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
IMJA expressed deep concern over the journalists’ detention, emphasizing the vital role of reporters in a democratic society and calling on the KIA to respect international laws that safeguard journalists and release them immediately.
Reports indicate that KIA forces arrested Ko Thar Lin Maung, a journalist with the Hpakant-based Red News Agency, on September 29 and Ko Naung Yoe, an independent reporter also based in Hpakant, on September 30.
IMJA Vice Chair Ko Naing stated that in a context where journalists already face severe repression under military rule, the detention of journalists by ethnic armed organizations like the KIA underscores the deteriorating state of press freedom in Myanmar.
He added, “This situation is unacceptable; it reflects Myanmar’s worst press freedom conditions. Reporters, especially those covering conflicts in Kachin State, work in dangerous situations to provide accurate news. Arresting them only creates more barriers to press freedom, violating human rights and depriving the public of truthful information. We urge the KIA to release our journalists immediately.”
IMJA’s statement stressed the importance of journalists like Ko Naung Yoe and Ko Thar Lin Maung, who, despite the ongoing conflict, work to ensure a free flow of information and deliver the voices of all parties, including the KIA, to the global stage.
According to the Geneva Conventions and related protocols, journalists operating in conflict zones under international humanitarian law are to be regarded as civilians. Their security and protection are of utmost importance and must be safeguarded from arbitrary detention or harm.
IMJA noted that detaining journalists not only violates these protections but also suppresses critical public information.
Ko Win Zaw Naing, editor-in-chief of Red News Agency, appealed for their immediate release and an official explanation for their detention.
He emphasized, “We want to stress the urgent need for their release and to have an official explanation through the media about why these two journalists were detained.
Efforts to reach the KIA for a response regarding the detention of the two journalists have been repeatedly made, but no official statement has been provided. As the leading group in Myanmar’s future that values democracy, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is expected to respect journalists’ rights. It is stated that the KIA could set a strong example by supporting the essential work of journalists.
The IMJA respectfully urges the immediate release of Ko Naing Yaw and Ko Tar Lin Maung and calls for freedom from further obstacles so that the press can continue its work. The statement also invites constructive dialogue with the media community to promote understanding and cooperation.
Similarly, on October 22, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called for the immediate release of journalists Ko Naing Yaw and Ko Tar Lin Maung, who were detained by the KIA.
