SOPA condemns the Myanmar military’s attempt to stifle press freedom

The Society of Publishers in Asia condemns recent action by Myanmar’s military that threatens press freedom and the media industry in the country.

These actions, taken in the wake of the military coup on February 1st, include:

  -Stripping the licenses from five leading media companies: Mizzima, Myanmar Now, 7-Day, DVB, and Khit Thit Media

  -Raiding the Yangon offices of Myanmar Now, seizing computers and servers

  -Arresting and charging at least six journalists, including an Associated Press photographer, simply for covering the anti-coup protests

We call on the Myanmar military to allow the news industry and journalists to report on events in the country free from harassment and intimidation.