On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day (May 3), the Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA) states that the condition of press freedom in Myanmar remains extremely dire.
Since the military coup on February 1, 2021, Myanmar has, over the past five years, become one of the countries with the highest number of imprisoned journalists in the world, ranking second globally.
According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Myanmar ranks 166th out of 180 countries.
Based on 2025 data from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Myanmar ranks as the third worst country in the world for jailing journalists.
The military’s ongoing actions—including internet restrictions and the repression, arrest, and killing of journalists—constitute a blatant violation of press freedom and deny the public’s right to information.
Even after forming a civilian-style administration, the military has intensified media repression by revoking the licenses of three independent media outlets.
Since the coup, the military has arrested over 200 journalists, and as of today, 17 journalists remain imprisoned across the country. In addition, seven journalists have been killed as a result of the military’s actions.
The arrest of journalists and the obstruction of news gathering in various forms represent serious human rights violations that effectively silence the public’s eyes and ears.
Therefore, on this World Press Freedom Day, the Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA) calls for the immediate release of all detained journalists.
IMJA also urges all relevant stakeholders to respect and uphold journalists’ rights to gather information and the fundamental principles of press freedom.
For further information, please contact:
Ko Hmue
Communications Committee
Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA)
Phone: +66817132516
Signal: +66817132516
