Newsgathering a struggle in Arakan State

By DMG 28 Aug 2021

DMG Newsroom
28 August 2021, Sittwe 

Lack of access to information, censorship and threats of legal action continue to pose challenges for journalists in Arakan State. 

Reporters say it is difficult to get interviews with sources in positions of responsibility to obtain information about governmental departments and actions. 

They also face delays securing interviews with authorities including the chair of the state military council’s information team. 

“We’re worried about writing government-related news when we need the government’s confirmation and cannot get in contact with officials. There is a risk for us when they [the state military council] complains to us over unconfirmed news,” said Ko Tun Thar, assistant editor of Arakan State-based Western News agency. 

Most recently, reporters were denied access to the Thet Kal Pyin IDP camp vaccination site on Saturday, when an inoculation campaign was rolled out for residents of the displacement camp. Journalists on scene were told that permission was required to enter the site and take photos. 

The Arakan State military council has held fewer press conferences in recent months compared with the earlier months of military rule. 

Following the military coup on February 1, the military-led government has balked at the use of several terms including “coup,” “military council” and “junta,” threatening to act against news outlets that use the terms. The threats have been condemned as censorship and a clear challenge to freedom of the press. 

Since the military seized power, some new outlets have been raided and shut down, while others have moved their operations out of Myanmar, assuming the mantle of exile media. Several journalists have been arrested and prosecuted under various charges widely criticised by press freedom groups as politically motivated. 

Reporters have also faced difficulties contacting Arakan State’s Security and Border Affairs minister regarding military-related issues, according to Ko Man Yu Kyaw, assistant editor of Arakan State-based Narinjara News. 

“When we get no confirmation, we’ve faced difficulty in writing news relating to the military. If there is something incorrect, we can be arrested and have action taken against us at any time. So, we have to take care,” said Ko Man Yu Kyaw.