Journalist convicted for covering military raids 

Location: Myanmar, Naypyidaw

Date: December 12, 2022

The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with Thet Wai San and vehemently condemns her unlawful arrest and subsequent sentencing by Myanmar's military regime. Thet Wai San's arrest while performing her duties as a journalist — documenting military raids — is part of a disturbing trend of targeted attacks on the media, which has intensified since the military coup in February 2021. The ongoing crackdown on independent journalism not only puts individual journalists at risk but also undermines the role of the media as a watchdog of democracy. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Thet Wai San and all other journalists who have been detained under similar pretexts. We urge the international community to apply pressure on Myanmar's military leaders to ensure the safe release of detained journalists and to restore press freedom in the country.

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Myanmar’s military regime has sentenced journalist Thet Wai San to two years in prison on charges of criminal incitement, a broad accusation commonly used to suppress independent journalism since the military overthrew the elected government in February 2021. Known professionally as Khaung, Thet Wai San, was arrested on November 30, 2022, while documenting military raids in Mingaladon township, Yangon.

Thet Wai San, who worked for the independent news outlets CJ Platform and Oway Media, was convicted by the Mingaladon court in December 2022 under Article 505(a) of Myanmar’s penal code. This article is often criticized for its vague terminology, which allows for penalizing a wide range of expressions under the guise of preventing incitement and the spread of false news.

According to Min Thu Win Htut, editor-in-chief of CJ Platform, the arrest occurred amidst Thet Wai San’s coverage of the military’s aggressive searches of homes in Yangon, which have been part of an ongoing suppression of dissent following the coup. "The military’s actions have created a climate of fear and repression," said Min Thu Win Htut, who has communicated details about Thet Wai San’s condition and the status of other CJ Platform journalists.

Thet Wai San is currently detained in Yangon’s Twantay Prison. As of late 2023, she was reported to be in good health. However, the repercussions of her arrest have been significant for CJ Platform, forcing many of its journalists to flee the country or operate clandestinely.

The military takeover has led to a severe crackdown on the press, with CFWIJ documenting numerous cases of journalists being detained under similar charges. 

The Coalition for Women in Journalism stands in unwavering solidarity with Thet Wai San. Thet Wai San's dedication to reporting on the military’s actions post-coup is a testament to journalists' critical role in upholding democracy and human rights. Her imprisonment on charges of criminal incitement under the vague and repressive Article 505(a) of the penal code is a clear violation of press freedom and a blatant attempt to silence dissent. We are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of Thet Wai San and all journalists who are risking their lives to report the truth. CFWIJ urges the international community, including the United Nations, to intensify their efforts to demand the immediate release of Thet Wai San and all unjustly detained journalists in Myanmar.

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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