Journalist ambushed and kidnapped in Myanmar

Credit: Kantarawaddy Times Facebook

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the abduction of a journalist in Myanmar on May 26, 2017. The IFJ demands an immediate investigation into the incident, and action against those responsible. Last Friday, May 26, Maw Oo Myar, a reporter for the Kantarawaddy Times and broadcaster with the Democratic Voice of Burma was abducted near the town of Loikaw, in Myanmar’s southeastern Kayah State. Myar was on a motorbike with a fellow journalist, when she was pulled off the bike by two men. They verbally assaulted her, before forcing her into a waiting vehicle. Soon after the assailants fled in the vehicle, it was involved in a car accident, which critically injured Myar and she lost consciousness. According to reports, Myar was taken to the Demawso General Hospital in a critical condition at 5.30pm.  She was later transferred to the Loikaw General Hospital that same night, where she remains under security detail while receiving treatment. The IFJ said: “We condemn this brutal attack and kidnapping of Maw Oo Myar. The situation for journalists in Myanmar outside the larger urban areas is a growing concern for the IFJ, and immediate action needs to be taken to rectify the situation and guarantee the safety and security of the media.” 

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0946 

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries

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