By: Kyalyi
In Myanmar’s media landscape, most would observe that the reports by independent media there are focused on human rights issues. And in that regard, Kamayut Media, the country’s first private online TV organisation, delivers up-to-date.
Founded in 2012, Kamayut covers everything from political, business, social and entertainment news but continues to address the question, “What is the meaning of Human Rights in Myanmar?”. Below we feature their coverage of three recent critical events.
Demands to Release Letpadaw Protesters
On 27 March 2015, a group of 100 students rallied in downtown Yangon, demanding the release of students and their supporters who were detained earlier that month after protesting a new education bill they say stifles academic freedom.
The police crackdown in Letpadan on 10 March saw the arrest of a total of 127 students, supporters and journalists. As of 7 April, 69 of them are attending their second hearing in court.
Journalists Boycott Yangon International Press Congress
Several Burmese media organisations boycotted the 65th World Congress of the International Press Institute, which was held in Yangon for the first time from 27 to 29 March 2015.
U Soe Myint, the organiser of the congress and Chief Editor of Mizzima said of the incident, “It is their right to hold a boycott, but this is not a government organised congress. Among the panelists there are government officers and National League for Democracy members. There will also be discussions between the authorities and the media.”
He added that the Congress will discuss topics of importance to the media such as press freedom and the role of media in elections.
However, as journalists have continually been beaten and unfairly imprisoned by the authorities, and because of the attendance of the Information Minister, the Myanmar Journalist’s Network urged local journalists to boycott the event.
Monk Rejects Preaching Ban
Shwe Nya War Sayadaw, an outspoken monk who has challenged the Buddhist establishment has stated that he intends to keep on preaching if called upon by the people, in defiance of a ban imposed by his government-appointed seniors.
The popular 50-year-old monk called a press conference in Hmawbi township to declare that he would defend his right under the constitution to speak freely without causing any damage to religion.
More videos from Kamayut Media are available on their video page. And if you’re interested to learn more about contemporary Myanmar, its filmmakers, and journalists, look out for updates on our Southeast Asia Video Camp happening in Yangon in June 2015.
