Press release
UNESCO Director-General condemns the killing of journalist Myat Thu Tan in Myanmar
I condemn the killing of Myat Thu Tan. I urge an independent investigation into the circumstances of his death to bring the perpetrators to justice. There must not be impunity for crimes against journalists, who have an essential role in bringing reliable information to the population.
Myat Thu Tan was a contributor to the local online media outlet Western News. He was also a reporter for Democratic Voice of Burma, as well as contributor to other media outlets including 7Day New Journal, The Voice and Development Media Group.
He had been arrested at his home on 22 September 2022 and held in pre-trial detention in the town of Mrauk-U. His body was reportedly found with gunshot wounds and signs of torture, buried in a bomb shelter in a military area, on 5 February.
UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
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