Guwahati, 23 June (HS): The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media safety and rights organization, has expressed concern over restrictions imposed on 97 media outlets by Myanmar’s military-controlled government and called for the immediate withdrawal of all bans, restrictions, and de-licensing measures affecting news organizations.

Reacting to reports that the operating licences of three additional media outlets — Myaelatt Athan, Red News Agency and Asia Citizens — have been cancelled, PEC urged the authorities in Naypyitaw to ensure a free and fair environment for media organizations to carry out their professional duties.

PEC President Blaise Lempen said all independent media outlets and publishing houses should be allowed to function without interference. Referring to concerns raised by Myanmar’s Independent Press Council, he noted that the country continues to rank among the worst globally in terms of press freedom restrictions. He also called on Min Aung Hlaing to take steps to ease restrictions on the media.

PEC’s South and Southeast Asia representative Nava Thakuria stated on Tuesday that more than 215 media professionals have been arrested since the military coup of February 1, 2021. Of them, 18 journalists remain in detention.

He further cited data from Athan, a non-profit organization promoting freedom of expression in Myanmar, which reported that no new arrests of journalists by the military authorities were recorded during the first quarter of 2026. The organization also noted that seven journalists were released under an amnesty programme by March this year.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash