The Border News Agency (BNA) has called for the release of a female journalist who was detained by Arakan Army (AA) intelligence officers.
At around 11:00 am on September 20, AA officers took BNA journalist Mudra from her home in Maungdaw Township, claiming they had questions to ask.
“They took her from her home in Maungdaw, saying they had some questions for her. She’s now been held for more than 24 hours, and the fact that she’s a woman makes this even more serious,” said Ko Kaung Myat Naing, the editor-in-chief of BNA.
On September 22, journalist Mudra’s family was finally allowed to meet her.
According to her family, the AA detained her for questioning about a BNA report published on September 9, which highlighted the need for school supplies for Mro ethnic children in Thihoaye Village, Maungdaw Township.
Ko Kaung Myat Naing emphasized that the AA must release the detained journalist immediately after completing the necessary inquiries.
“Those who came to her house and took her away must also make sure she is safely returned. If they were a law-abiding organization, they would. So far, they haven’t even confirmed her arrest. If they have arrested her, the world will judge their actions, and their history. What they do now will shape their future,” he said.
On September 22, BNA released a statement suggesting that Mudra’s detention might be a misunderstanding and urging the relevant authorities to handle the situation with wisdom and rational judgment.
Members of the Arakan journalist community have also echoed BNA’s view that a misunderstanding may be behind Mudra’s detention.
“Journalists are often called the fourth pillar of democracy, acting as a bridge between the people and the government. We’re expected to report fairly, focus on the public, and stand with the truth and the vulnerable. Now, a BNA journalist has been detained by the AA for questioning, and there may be some misunderstanding behind this incident,” said Ko Thant Myat Khaing, also known as Thein Zaw (Maungdaw), a freelance journalist from Arakan State.
DMG has reached out to AA spokesperson U Khaing Thu Kha regarding the detention of BNA journalist Mudra by AA officers.
The BNA statement also said that Mudra’s family is deeply concerned for her and expressed hope that her captors would release her, in a manner that respects humanitarian principles and international law.
The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) announced that, during the nearly four years from the junta’s coup in early 2021 until January 25, 2025, 43 journalists have remained imprisoned across the country.
Myanmar ranks 169th out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Photo credit - CJ
