Athan report highlights restrictions on freedom of expression in resistance-held areas

By Admin 31 Oct 2026

DMG Newsroom

31 October 2026, Mrauk-U

Restrictions on freedom of expression, media freedom and administrative accountability persist in territories controlled by resistance armed groups and Ethnic Resistance Organizations (EROs) across Myanmar, according to a report by the advocacy group Athan.

The findings were published in a report released on October 30 titled Governance, Freedom of Expression, and Accountability in Revolutionary Territories by the independent research organization.

The report noted that although resistance forces have established administrative, judicial and public service mechanisms in areas under their control, serious questions remain about how effectively their governance frameworks protect fundamental human rights and allow public criticism.

In the territories examined, responses to public criticism and independent reporting included restrictive orders, detentions, online harassment and social pressure intended to intimidate individuals by labeling them military informants or traitors.

ATHAN documented specific press freedom violations, including the detention of an Upper Burma News Agency (UBNA) reporter in Madaya Township, the arrest of a Border News Agency (BNA) journalist in Arakan State, and the interrogation of a media worker in Kachin State.

The report emphasized that such arrests, intimidation and threats have created an environment in which journalists and members of the public increasingly practise self-censorship.

Restrictions on freedom of expression and access to information are also frequently imposed on the grounds of military security, revolutionary interests or preventing information leaks to enemy forces, the report said.

While acknowledging legitimate operational and military security concerns, Athan stressed that any restrictions must be strictly necessary and proportionate, warning against unnecessarily compromising public safety or the right to information.

The report added that abuses of administrative power and unresolved public grievances reflected weak accountability and redress mechanisms within revolutionary authorities.

ATHAN concluded that although resistance groups formally embrace democracy and human rights in their policies, failure to implement structural reforms risks fostering autocratic governance practices in territories under their control.