Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA)
Statement No. 1/2026
April 12, 2026
Call for the Immediate and Unconditional Release of Detained Journalists
Since the military coup on February 1, 2021, a large number of journalists in Myanmar have been arrested and imprisoned.
According to research findings by the Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA), after arresting journalists, the Myanmar military has subjected them to violence, charged them under various counterterrorism laws, and imposed long-term prison sentences, including life imprisonment.
Since the coup, the Myanmar military has killed seven journalists and arrested over 200 journalists. As of now, 17 journalists remain detained in various prisons. It has also been reported that detained journalists are being denied adequate healthcare and access to medical treatment while in custody.
Furthermore, since the coup, freedom of information, press freedom, and freedom of expression in Myanmar have deteriorated to one of the worst conditions. The military continues to arrest journalists who provide information to exile-based media outlets.
According to data from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) as of December 1, 2025, Myanmar ranks as the second worst country in the world for imprisoning journalists. In the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Myanmar ranks 169th out of 180 countries, reflecting a severely repressed media environment.
The Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA) strongly condemns the arrest of journalists, the suppression of press freedom, and the continued targeting of media workers.
The release of all journalists is a fundamental prerequisite for press freedom. As long as even one journalist remains imprisoned, IMJA considers it a grave violation of press freedom.
IMJA calls on the Myanmar military and the government led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to immediately cease the targeted arrests and killings of journalists, and to unconditionally release all detained journalists without delay.
IMJA also urges the United Nations, international governments, and organizations to take effective action against the Myanmar military and its leadership for targeting, arresting, and killing journalists, and to support efforts to secure the release of all detained journalists.
For further information, please contact:
Phone: +66817132516
Signal: +66817132516
Communications Committee
Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA)
