Geneva, Dec 07 (V7N) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a Geneva-based global organization advocating for media safety and press freedom, has called on Myanmar’s military authorities to immediately release all detained journalists ahead of the country’s planned multi-phase national elections beginning on 28 December. The group also demanded the withdrawal of the junta’s recently enacted election interference law, which has been used to target journalists and social media users under the pretext of combating anti-state activity.

Myanmar, a Buddhist-majority nation of nearly 55 million people, remains engulfed in a de facto civil war. The ruling military council led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing continues to face fierce resistance from pro-democracy armed groups, losing control of nearly half of the country’s townships. In these conflict zones, conducting meaningful elections remains virtually impossible, further undermining the credibility of the upcoming polls.

PEC President Blaise Lempen said the junta has imposed harsh restrictions on both traditional media and digital platforms, aiming to silence public debate on the integrity of the elections. He noted that more than five journalists and press freedom defenders have been executed by the military regime, while many others have fled to neighboring countries to escape persecution. Lempen emphasized that journalism must never be criminalized by any authority.

Nava Thakuria, PEC’s representative for South and Southeast Asia, reported that since the 2021 military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government, over 200 journalists have been arrested or imprisoned. Nearly 50 media professionals remain behind bars, and at least 15 media outlets have had their licenses revoked, forcing many to operate clandestinely. He expressed hope that the election period might bring improved safety conditions and professional freedom for Myanmar’s embattled media community.

International rights groups continue to warn that without the unconditional release of journalists and an end to restrictions on the press, Myanmar’s December elections cannot be considered free, fair, or representative.

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