Bangkok, April 30, 2026—Myanmar’s junta must restore the recently revoked publication licenses of three local news agencies — the Khonumthung Media Group, Chin World, and Myatmaukkhit News Agency — and cease its persecution of independent media groups, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday.
The military bans, effective on April 9 and formally announced on April 24, were issued for violations of Section 8(b) of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise Law, with authorities claiming the outlets published content harmful to national security, the rule of law, and public peace, according to news reports.
The bans, imposed coincident with the declaration of a state of emergency and martial law across 60 townships, including in Chin state, prohibit the news outlets from publishing or broadcasting on any media platform or technology, the reports said.
“Revoking the licenses of outlets serving Chin state, one of Myanmar’s most conflict-affected regions, shows the junta’s contempt for both press freedom and the public’s right to information,” said Shawn Crispin, CPJ’s senior Southeast Asia representative. “Myanmar’s military cannot begin to claim a democratic transition while systematically shutting down and harassing the free press.”
Several journalists associated with the three banned outlets have gone into hiding to avoid possible arrest or harassment, according to the Independent Myanmar Journalists Association, an independent press group that communicated with CPJ via messaging app.
Myanmar’s junta has revoked the licenses of several independent news outlets since seizing power and suspending democracy in a 2021 coup. The crackdown has driven many media groups to move their news operations into exile while relying on underground reporters who have been targeted for harassment and imprisonment.
Myanmar currently holds at least 18 journalists behind bars, according to CPJ data, and ranked second worldwide on CPJ’s annual prison census conducted on December 1, 2025.
The Ministry of Information did not reply to CPJ’s emailed request for comment.
This content originally appeared on Committee to Protect Journalists and was authored by CPJ Staff.