First Journalist Death Since Myanmar Coup

Photo by Myanmar photojournalist So Naing. Source=Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] A freelance photojournalist covering anti-military protests against the Myanmar coup military regime has died. This is the first journalist death since the coup occurred in February.

On the 15th, the Associated Press reported that freelance photojournalist So Naing died the previous day. Naing was arrested by military police on the 10th while covering a silent strike in Yangon and was transferred to a military newspaper facility.

Local media The Irrawaddy reported that he was arrested by soldiers along with another photographer while capturing the silent strike on camera. A friend of Naing said, "He was healthy until the day before, but I heard he died within a day."

Naing's family was notified of his death by the military the previous day. It is known that the family cremated Naing's body on the same day.

Since the coup outbreak, Naing had been photographing anti-military protests on the streets, and his photos were cited by foreign media.

According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 53 journalists are currently imprisoned in Myanmar. RSF stated, "We are shocked by the news of Naing's death," adding, "He is the first Myanmar journalist to die after being detained by the military."

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