Than Lwin Khet News, an independent media organization in exile, issued a statement on May 3 strongly condemning sexual harassment and threats directed at one of its female field reporters working in Arakan (Rakhine) State.
The affected journalist, Ma Khin Thara Phi Oo, has reportedly been subjected to sexualized abuse and physical threats online through a Facebook account using the name ‘Twan Lynn Thein.’
“I wasn’t targeted just because I’m a journalist. I was intentionally attacked with insults about my gender and also because I speak Myanmar. Even after I asked him to stop, he kept posting obscene and abusive words. He even wrote victim-blaming questions and comments on my news agency’s Facebook page,” she described the nature of the harassment.
The individual alleged to be behind the account has been identified as Ko Tun Linn Thein, from Theintaung Ward in Nagaywa Village Tract, Panmyaung Sub-township, Arakan State.
Than Lwin Khet News has urged the United League of Arakan (ULA) and the Arakan Army (AA) to take legal action, stating that the incident amounts to criminal sexual harassment.
Ma Khin Thara Phi Oo is an experienced journalist with nearly a decade of reporting work covering developments in Arakan State.
The media agency also called on the public to reject and condemn all forms of threats against journalists, particularly women who continue to report under difficult and risky conditions.
“We cannot stay silent anymore. I want women’s organizations and society as a whole to work together so that real action is taken. We need to join hands to stop this kind of abuse and build a safe environment for women,” she added.
Than Lwin Khet News also stated that it is currently gathering evidence with the intention of filing complaints to international organizations focused on protecting media workers.
May 3 marks World Press Freedom Day, a global occasion recognizing the importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.
In Arakan State, women are increasingly calling on relevant authorities to take effective and decisive action against those responsible for threats and sexual harassment.
