Military’s action against Than Lwin Thu part of broader pattern of repression that has seen dozens of media workers detained and sentenced since coup

Location: Myanmar, Taunggyi

Date: October 27, 2022

The Coalition for Women in Journalism vehemently condemns the unjust imprisonment of Than Lwin Thu and the ongoing suppression of press freedom in Myanmar. Than Lwin Thu, a courageous journalist and co-founder of the Taunggyi Nway Oo Channel, has been sentenced to a decade in prison under spurious terrorism charges, solely for her work in journalism and her commitment to reporting on human rights issues. The charges against Than Lwin Thu are not only unfounded but are also part of a broader strategy to stifle dissent and restrict the flow of information. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Than Lwin Thu, along with all other journalists who are unjustly detained in Myanmar. We also urge the international community to increase pressure on Myanmar's military leaders to restore democratic rights and freedoms, including freedom of the press.

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Veteran journalist Than Lwin Thu, also known as Win Win Nwe and Ma Nwe, has been sentenced to a decade in prison on terrorism charges in an ongoing effort by Myanmar's military rulers to suppress dissent and independent journalism.

Than Lwin Thu was arrested at her home in the Thit Taw Quarter of Taunggyi, Shan State, on the evening of December 21, 2021, according to multiple sources, including the Detained Journalists Information Myanmar group and her daughter, Eaint Thet Ngon Poo. The arrest was part of a larger crackdown following the military coup on February 1, 2021, which has led to widespread protests and international condemnation.

A city court in Taunggyi convicted Than Lwin Thu on October 27, 2022, under Section 50(j) of the Counter Terrorism Law, which has been broadly applied against journalists and dissenters, effectively stifling independent news reporting. Eaint Thet Ngon Poo informed the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) about the sentencing and ongoing legal challenges.

Than Lwin Thu has been a prominent figure in local journalism, contributing to The First News and First Weekly News Journal, and co-founding the Taunggyi Nway Oo Channel with her daughter. The channel is known for its focus on human rights issues, a subject that has become increasingly precarious under the military regime.

As of late October 2023, Than Lwin Thu was incarcerated at the Taung Lay Lone Prison in Nyaungshwe Township, Shan State. Her daughter confirmed that, despite the harsh conditions typically associated with such detentions, Than Lwin Thu was not suffering from any significant health issues at the time.

The military’s actions against journalists like Than Lwin Thu are part of a broader pattern of repression that has seen dozens of media workers detained and sentenced since the coup, as documented by the Coalition For Women In Journalism. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with Than Lwin Thu and her family during this challenging time. Her unwavering commitment to truth-telling and exposing human rights abuses exemplifies the critical role that women journalists play in advancing social justice and accountability. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Than Lwin Thu and all journalists unjustly detained by the military regime in Myanmar. We urge the international community to pressure the authorities to respect press freedom and uphold the rights of journalists to report freely without fear of reprisal.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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