In the second quarter of 2026, one journalist was released from prison from amnesty in April and there was no new arrest. There was no new conviction. By the end of June 2026, 17 are still in jail. Overall, 216 journalists have been arrested since the coup, with 17 still in detention and 11 deceased cases.
The regime revoked the operating licenses of six media outlets this quarter, bringing the total number of revoked news licenses to 22 since the coup.
The junta continues to weaponise the legal system to systematically suppress independent journalism, relying primarily on counter-terrorism, national security, and broad speech-related laws to criminalise reporting. Journalists are frequently charged under multiple overlapping provisions.
The junta is institutionalising disinformation by replacing independent news with state-run propaganda and utilising pro-regime influencers on Telegram and TikTok. The junta has also established an inter-ministerial “Information Sheet” team to oversee psychological warfare and disinformation operations.
In Rakhine, female field reporter Khin Tharaphi Oo received online sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and physical threats following a social media disagreement. Salween Khet News has publicly condemned the incident and requested that the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army investigate the case.
A group of independent journalists established the Arakan Press Council (APC) to support ethical reporting and enhance journalist safety while operating independently of governing authorities.
IPCM launched a media safety and protection program in April 2026 to support journalists in emergency relocation and legal residency documentation by considering that the displacement and struggles are going for long-term.
There was no new arrest in the second quarter of 2026.