Two Myanmar journalists released after detention by Kachin Independence Army

Two Myanmar journalists detained 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 29 September until 27 October 2024, when they were freed at 12:00 PM.

In a post shared on social media, Ko Naung Yoe expressed gratitude to supporters, noting that both journalists were released in good health.

The two journalists were reportedly detained due to Ko Tar Lin Maung’s coverage of an incident involving the KIA. On 26 September 2024, KIA personnel rescued workers trapped at a restaurant in Saitaung village amidst nearby clashes.

According to sources close to the journalists, KIA officers ordered the detention in response to this report.

The KIA’s Information Officer, Major Naw Bu, later confirmed their detainment, stating they were held for questioning by KIA front-line personnel. The arrests prompted widespread criticism from press freedom advocates, with media organisations and associations decrying the detentions as unjust.

The Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA) addressed the issue on 23 October, releasing an open letter calling for the journalists’ immediate release.

The IMJA emphasised that both journalists were working in line with journalistic ethics. Following the release, IMJA’s Vice-Chairman Ko Naing expressed satisfaction with the outcome, acknowledging the KIA’s decision.

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

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has also called on the KIA to clarify the reasons for the detention and to improve protections for journalists working in conflict zones.

The RSF Asia-Pacific Bureau Director, Cédric Alviani, compared the KIA’s actions to the Myanmar military regime, stating that holding journalists without contact resembles “the same arbitrary and repressive tactics” seen 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 detainment could have stemmed from Ko Tar Lin Maung’s critical social media posts on the KIA, while Naung Yoe was reportedly arrested while investigating his colleague’s disappearance.

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

The challenges for journalists in Myanmar have intensified since the coup, which triggered 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, over 150 have faced imprisonment, with 64 remaining detained 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 stance on journalism has also led to the closure of 15 media outlets since the coup. To address this crisis, RSF recently launched the Myanmar Press Freedom Project in Thailand, offering support to exiled media workers and those still operating within Myanmar.

A freelance journalist, responding to the release of the detained journalists, emphasised the ongoing risks, stating, “Journalists need freedom to provide the public with accurate information. Arrests by the military and other groups are threatening this freedom. Protecting press freedom is vital.”

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