By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) has expressed concern over continuing press censorship in Myanmar after the military junta revoked the licences of three more independent news outlets.
In a statement issued on May 15, PEC said Myanmar’s information ministry had recently imposed restrictions on Myaelatt Athan, Red News Agency and Asia Citizens News Agency under various legal provisions.
Myanmar has witnessed a sustained crackdown on independent journalism since the military coup of February 1, 2021, when the elected government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown by the military under then army chief Min Aung Hlaing.
Since the takeover, the junta has revoked licences of nearly 20 independent media organisations, including Democratic Voice of Burma, Mizzima, Khit Thit Media, Myanmar Now and 7Day News.
PEC president Blaise Lempen said journalists in Myanmar continue to face severe repression under military rule. He noted that nearly 200 journalists had been arrested over the past five years.
Citing data from the Independent Press Council of Myanmar, Lempen said 18 journalists remain in prison and called for their immediate release along with withdrawal of restrictions imposed on media organisations.
The media rights body said continued suppression of independent journalism has further narrowed space for press freedom in the conflict-hit country, where journalists have faced arrests, intimidation and prolonged legal action since the coup.