Independent Journalists in Myanmar Face Increasing Perils Amidst Civil War and Media Crackdown
In the war-torn Shan State of Myanmar, video journalist Mai Rupa navigates perilous conditions, documenting the human toll of conflict for Shwe Phee Myay, an independent news outlet. Since the military coup in 2021, which quashed Myanmar’s nascent democracy and media freedoms, journalists like Mai Rupa operate under immense risk, dodging landmines, aerial bombings, and ongoing military crackdowns.
“Witnessing civilians suffer profoundly impacts you,” says Mai Rupa, revealing the emotional distress faced by those reporting from the front lines. Despite the dangers, Shwe Phee Myay remains committed to providing updates on both the conflict and ordinary life amid chaos, covering crucial stories that reveal the truths the military regime wishes to suppress.
The outlet, rooted in the ethnic Ta’ang community, represents one of the few independent media voices left in a landscape where most reporters have fled or gone into hiding. Following the coup, two of Shwe Phee Myay’s reporters narrowly escaped arrest during protests, while others scattered after a military raid. The arrests signal a broader trend of brutal suppression of the press; currently, 35 journalists are imprisoned in Myanmar, and the country ranks low on global press freedom indices.
Though Shwe Phee Myay has faced funding challenges, particularly after cuts in US aid, its determination to remain operational echoes the sentiments of many in the team. “If we stop, who will continue addressing these issues?” editor-in-chief Mai Rukaw states, underscoring the vital role of independent journalism in illuminating the realities of life in Myanmar’s conflict zones. With growing displacement due to renewed military offensives, the courage and commitment of independent journalists could not be more critical.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
