Western News Chief Editor: ‘We will continue to let the people know the truth’

By DMG 25 Nov 2021

Reporters from Arakan State-based Western News went into hiding earlier this month after junta forces attempted to find the location of the news outlet’s office in Sittwe. DMG recently spoke to the chief editor of Western News, Wunna Khwar Nyo, about the incident and its implications for press freedom in Arakan State and beyond. 

DMG: The junta sought the location of the Western News office on November 19. Why did they do that, and what more can you tell us about it? 

Wunna Khwar Nyo: The incident occurred at about 9 p.m. on November 19. No staff members were at the office as November 19 was the 1^st Waning of Tazaungmone. The junta soldiers and police arrived near Baluma Bridge in five vehicles to search for the location of the Western News office. They, along with ward administrators, moved to other areas and asked some residents where the Western News office was. They then came back as they were unable to find the location of the Western News office.  

Western News has been covering the Myanmar military’s human rights abuses. Police searched for the Western News office after we reported that the seventh anniversary of the death of eight Arakan Army (AA) cadets was commemorated in Sittwe on the evening of November 19. 

DMG: Did the authorities find the office? 

WKN: Yes, junta soldiers and police questioned some Sittwe residents including ward administrators as to where the Western News office was located on the evening of November 19. I asked a police officer why junta soldiers and police sought the location of the Western News office. The officer replied that the search operation was conducted at the direction of senior police officials. But the police didn’t file a lawsuit against us. I think they attempted to find the Western News office as we reported that the seventh anniversary of the death of eight AA cadets was commemorated.   

In the past, the authorities have often complained about Western News. A news crew from Western News, including myself, was summoned to the Arakan State government office by authorities over the term “military council”; they tried forcing us not to use the term “military council”. Authorities warned us not to use too many big words about the Arakan Army because the government does not want to ruin the peace. That same morning, we continued to use the term military council. According to the Media Code of Conduct, we always use terms that are relevant. The junta doesn’t like the use of the term “military council”. I think that’s why the situation has become so tense. 

DMG: Western News is a registered news outlet. The News Media Law stipulates that if any media report is deemed to be harmful, a complaint must first be filed with the Myanmar Press Council. What do you have to say about the police search for the Western News office?

WKN: I think the police were looking for the location of our office because of the news covered by Western News. The Myanmar Press Council has not informed us about this matter. Even if we make a mistake, we must be prosecuted through the Myanmar Press Council.  

Some reporters were upset when military vehicles and police cars searched for the Western News office. The current situation is that the office is closed. Some journalists from Western News went into hiding and some staff members are no longer working in the office. At present, our news coverage is not as good as it used to be. We will continue to run Western News to let the people know the truth.  

DMG: Has the Myanmar Press Council contacted Western News about the police search? 

WKN: No. To date, the Myanmar Press Council has not contacted us about the police’s search. The authorities’ relentless intimidation of the media and backing them will lead to negative consequences and escalating tensions. It is more difficult for journalists in Arakan State to work when they are targeted by the authorities and those in power. The police search has made journalists even more upset. Western News will continue to adhere to the Media Code of Conduct. 

DMG: What is the current situation for Western News? Are there any difficulties in publishing news? 

WKN: The office of Western News is currently closed and reporters are working from home. The flow of news coverage is a bit slower than usual. Working with each other over the phone makes news production weaker. We have many difficulties in producing news stories. 

DMG: What has been the fallout since November 19? 

WKN: The police have not [formally] investigated Western News, and no cases against reporters in the state have been opened. Today, I phoned a police officer and asked him if there were any further enquiries to Western News. The police officer told me that the search was conducted under the directives of senior police officials. 

DMG: Why were security forces looking for the Western News office on November 19 if there was no investigation or prosecution forthcoming?  

WKN: The story about the seventh anniversary of the deaths of the eight AA cadets was reported before the event was celebrated on November 19. I think we are being monitored by authorities. Narinjara News also reported the story, but they [soldiers and police] didn’t find the location of the Narinjara office. Western News has been covering the Myanmar military’s human rights abuses and publishing stories about the Myanmar military’s human rights abuses. That’s all I know.  

DMG: Western News, Narinjara and DMG have all been harassed by authorities. What does Western News have to say about the authorities’ pressure on the media? 

WKN: This is not a good outcome. The pressure on the media, especially in the post-conflict Arakan State, wherein the authorities are threatening media outlets, has not yielded good information. News outlets in Arakan State covering the Arakan Army have been prosecuted and [journalists have been] arrested by the Myanmar military. The Myanmar military filed a lawsuit against DMG. This is not a good result for us.  

It is very difficult for the media because Arakan State-based media are being arrested and prosecuted even though there are no longer clashes between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army. Some reporters from Western News and DMG went into hiding as the Myanmar military has been attempting to arrest and prosecute them.  

DMG: Do you think that if this continues, it will still be possible to regularly publish news about what is happening in Arakan State? 

WKN: I don’t think so. As the military continues to crack down on the media, it seems that they [authorities] can do whatever they want. Media outlets have to publicise [important issues such as] the implementation of the deep-sea ports in Kyaukphyu, or the lack of food at IDP [internally displaced person] camps in some townships. The situation in Arakan State has been very bad in recent years. Internet access was cut off in Arakan State and the public was barred from accessing information in a timely manner.  

Media outlets reported on the plight of IDPs and conflict news in Maungdaw and Buthidaung despite the shutdown of the internet. There are many business opportunities in Arakan State. Currently, the military council is implementing deep-sea ports in Arakan State. Who would write such news when journalists are fleeing? The media must question whether the locals will benefit from the implementation of the projects. The military council needs to build good relations with the media. The junta’s repression and intimidation of the media has become unacceptable since there have been no clashes between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army for about one year in Arakan State. 

If the junta cracks down on the media, it will have an enormous effect. The authorities are constantly monitoring the media, which makes it difficult for the media. The more the military oppresses the media, the more the people hate the military. 

DMG: What more would you like to say about the situation? 

WKN: As I said before, I want the media to be respected. There are only three media outlets in Arakan State. It is through these media that people have learnt about what is happening in Arakan State. The military has threatened the media in the past. Now it is even more alarming that the military is threatening the media again. The Western News office was closed and some reporters went into hiding following the authorities’ search. I feel that it is not fair to us, and not in accordance with the law. They should notify us in advance through the Myanmar Press Council. The security forces’ search in vehicles has further frightened the reporters, damaging our news production.