Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA)
Statement No. 8/2024
December 19, 2024
Condemning Violence Against a Female Journalist and Her Partner and Demanding Accountability for the Perpetrator
On December 14, at 9 PM, Win Kyaw, a male individual, physically assaulted Ma Nyein Chan Su Kyi, a journalist for Myay Lat Athan News Agency, and her partner, a transgender woman, in Ayadaw Township, Sagaing Region. According to the victims, the incident occurred while they were using the internet at an internet café.
Win Kyaw reportedly verbally harassed the journalist and her partner, insulted their work as journalists and their news agency, and physically struck the face of Ma Nyein Chan Su Kyi’s partner.
During the altercation, members and officials of the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) under the Ministry of Defense (MOD) of the National Unity Government (NUG) were present at the café but reportedly took no action to intervene or prevent the violence.
This act of violence against a female journalist and her partner not only infringes on media freedom but also constitutes a violation of women’s rights and dignity. Therefore, the Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA) strongly condemns this incident.
We urge the NUG and the Ministry of Defense (MOD) to prioritize the security of journalist Ma Nyein Chan Su Kyi and her partner and to hold the perpetrator, Win Kyaw, accountable through a fair and transparent process.
