Myanmar's Press Freedom Crisis: Ranked Last in the World
In 2024, Myanmar hit rock bottom in the World Press Freedom Index, revealing the severe conditions faced by journalists and media under the country's military rule. With a distressing score of 24.41 out of 100, Myanmar's press environment is not only repressive but fraught with danger, highlighting a drastic decline in free speech and media rights. This decline is tied to the deep political and civil unrest that has eroded fundamental freedoms. Here's a closer look at why Myanmar is at the bottom of the index and what it means for the country. The Roots of Repression The critical downturn in Myanmar’s press freedom is primarily linked to the military coup in February 2021, which toppled the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. This event marked the beginning of a severe crackdown on all forms of dissent, including the press. Historically, the military, known as the Tatmadaw, has kept a tight grip on the media, but the situation has worsened significantly since the ...
