Myanmar Women in Media (MWiM), the Burmese Women’s Union (BWU), and Sisters 2 Sisters, issued a joint statement on Oct. 3 urging regime authorities and armed groups in Myanmar to respect freedom of expression and the safety of media workers.
The statement warned that arresting journalists undermines both freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
The women’s groups expressed particular concern over the detention of Mu Dra, a reporter for the Arakan State-based Border News Agency (BNA), who was detained by the Arakan Army (AA) on Sept. 20. It has been over two weeks since Mu Dra’s detention.
“We still haven’t been able to contact her. Her father was allowed to see her for just one day, and since then the AA has refused him access, so he had to stop trying,” Kaung Mrat Naing, the BNA editor-in-chief, told Development Media Group (DMG).
The women’s groups called for Mu Dra’s immediate release, stressing that she is a journalist doing her job and that keeping her in detention endangers both her personal safety and her freedom of expression.
Khaing Thukha, the AA spokesperson, told the media that Mu Dra is being investigated for activities that violated its regulations and jeopardized public safety. But her detention has left local media increasingly uneasy.
“I’m starting to worry that journalists will face even more challenges than we already do. With the internet restrictions and other obstacles, reporting on the ground is hard enough. These interrogations make it even harder to get information out,” a female journalist in Arakan State told DMG on the condition of anonymity.
Despite numerous challenges, including internet and phone blackouts, air travel risks, and strict travel restrictions, media groups and journalists in Arakan State continue to report on the conflict with resilience.
The women’s groups also expressed concern for female journalists, who take on even more risks working in Myanmar’s conflict zones.
“Journalists are putting their lives on the line just to do their work here, knowing that our safety is always at risk. With all these arrests and interrogations, I feel like my own safety is even more in danger,” a male journalist in Arakan State told DMG on the condition of anonymity.
The women’s groups statement also condemned the growing pressure on media professionals in the country, noting that Myanmar ranks 169th out of 180 in Reporters Without Borders 2025 World Press Freedom Index.
BNI
