How often do you remember to pray for information freedom?
Myanmar hits 173rd out of the 179 countries being monitored, according to the 2023 the World Press Freedom Index. It also reported Myanmar is the world’s second biggest jailer of journalists since the military coup in February 2021.
The Military Council recently issued the termination of The Irrawaddy Times’s business license, which is a big news agency in Myanmar due to publishing news that have effects on national security, law enforcement and public solidarity.
According to the list compiled by RFA, within more than two years of the coup d’état, licenses of 15 media outlets including DVB, Mizzima, Myanmar Now and four bookstores and two printing houses have been suspended. Since the military coup, 156 journalists have been arrested, of which 105 have been released, but 45 are still in prison.
Today, no major independent printed media is operating in Myanmar and internet and telecommunication shutdowns in intensely conflicted areas continue to control news coverage, communication and access to information.
God of truth, please grant politicians and leaders courage to govern with integrity and transparency: the will to be accountable and to apologize for mis-managements. Amen!
