221 journalists detained The military detained many journalists in an effort to control Myanmar’s information ecosystem, to keep the general public unaware of the crackdown, and deter more widespread dissent and insurrection. Myanmar became one of the worst countries in the world in terms of detaining journalists soon after the coup started and has remained so since.7 At least 221 journalists were deprived of their liberty during the period under review (February 2021 until February 2025), including 11 journalists who were detained multiple times. This figure is likely an underestimation as some detentions may have been unidentified or purposefully kept out of the public spotlight.8 Mass detentions had a severe chilling effect on freedom of expression, causing journalists and dissenters more generally to self-censor, hide, or leave Myanmar. The following table shows that half of journalists detained were captured during the first three months of the coup, and a majority by the end of 2021 (68%). Some remained in prison at the end of the period under review. Detentions reduced from 2022 to 2025, most likely because journalists who were not detained were either operating in exile or in hiding. The last detention during the period under review was in February 2025. Detained Journalists by Year & Percentage Still Detained 2021 2022 2023-2025 68% detained 20% detained 12% detained 12% still detained as of Feb. 2025 7% still detained as of Feb. 2025 8% still detained as of Feb. 2025 51 JOURNALISTS CURRENTLY DETAINED The military was holding 51 journalists in detention in February 2025. This figure included seven journalists detained on undetermined charges (14%), three facing identified charges (6%), and 41 who had been convicted and were serving prison sentences (80%). 7 “Committee to Protect Journalists (2021), “302 journalists imprisoned”. Committee to Protect Journalists (2022), “363 journalists imprisoned”. 8 Some families and media outlets may have not publicized an individual’s case, perhaps believing that coverage could worsen their situation, or to hide an individual’s hidden work history, or to try informal solutions, such as bribing the police for a lesser charge. 5