PAKISTAN READER

Glynnis Winona B Glynnis Winona B is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace Studies and Public Policy, St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru

On 30 April, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released the World Press Freedom Index on the state of media freedom globally. Myanmar has been ranked 166 out of 180, falling within the “very serious” category, indicative of a repressive press environment in the country. Although the ranking shows a slight improvement over last year, there are no meaningful changes in the condition. Since the 2021 military coup, the media landscape has been severely affected by legal repression, institutional collapse and violence against journalists. Before the coup, Myanmar had witnessed a growing independent media sector with outlets such as Mizzima, Democratic Voice of Burma, and Myanmar Now. These organizations played a major role in political reporting, but the coup has led to the shutdown of such outlets. Though Independent journalism continues, it is limited and highly risky.

The following are four takeaways from the RSF report of Myanmar.

1. Legal mechanisms are being used to restrain journalism
The report highlights that legislations are a key tool in suppressing journalism. Laws related to national security and defamation are used to target journalists and media houses. These laws hold the advantage of criminalising media reporting, with a wide range of journalistic work considered to be false information or a threat to public order. Since the coup, over two hundred journalists have been arrested, and many are still in detention. Sentences vary from a certain number of years to life imprisonment. These decisions are made independently by military courts. Some journalists from outlets like Development Media Group have been sentenced under terrorism. This reveals how the legal framework is used to restrain journalism in the country.

2. Independent journalism and media has been structurally dismantled
Following the coup, more than twenty news outlets have had their licences revoked. Under national security legislations, major news outlets have been forced to shut down or relocate. In 2026, regional media outlets were banned as well. Now, most of these outlets report in exile and underground networks. The coup has significantly altered the media environment, particularly in the absence of strong institutions. As independent media struggles to reach the public, the state-controlled narrative continues to dominate.

3. Violence and threats continue to endanger journalists
As per the report, Myanmar remains one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. There have been cases of arrest, physical violence, and killings of journalists in recent years. Detained journalists face harsh prison treatment, including the lack of decent medical care, and reports of abuse. Even outside detention, journalists face constant threat while covering protests, conflict zones, or when they question political developments. They are pressured by the state administration council and also by non-state armed groups. This has created an environment of fear, which pushes journalists to either leave the country or stop reporting.

4. Digital restrictions limit information flow
Myanmar faces increasing control over digital spaces. The military has imposed restrictions on social media platforms, internet access, and online communication. Tools such as VPN, which help in accessing restricted content, have also been targeted. These limitations lead to the difficulty of accessing information by both journalists and citizens. The limitation became transparent during the 2025- 2026 election period. During this period, the state narrative dominated, and independent journalists were excluded. All these factors reveal the underlying structural issue within Myanmar’s press freedom. The contemporary media environment being shaped by political instability, legal constraints, and controlling narrative, has left little space for independent journalism to sustain in the country.

References
“Myanmar,” Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 30 April 2026

“2026 RSF Index: press freedom at a 25-year low,” Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 30April 2026

“DMG staff sentenced in Myanmar: RSF condemns relentless crackdown on the independent outlet,” Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 07 May 2024

“New RSF documentary highlights the courage and resilience of Myanmar journalists four years after the military coup,” Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 30 January 2025

“Myanmar junta revokes licenses of 3 media outlets in martial law clampdown,” CPJ, 20 April 2026

“Global calls to free Aung San Suu Kyi; Myanmar ranks ‘very serious’ in 2026 RSF World Press Freedom Index,” DVB, 04 May 2026
 

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