Al Jazeera reacted to a Burmese foreign affairs ministry press release in the New Light of Myanmar that attacked their new documentary, “The Hidden Genocide”, by encouraging the public to see the film for themselves and make up their own minds.
“The documentary includes accusations of genocide against the so-called ‘Rohingyas’,” read the statement. “The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar [Burma] strongly opposes and rejects attempt made by Al Jazeera to exaggerate and fabricate the incidents in Rakhine (Arakan) State.”
The Burmese foreign affairs ministry press release said that the documentary “included false accusations of genocide against the so-called Rohingyas”.
The film that is being shown on the network's station from Dec. 9 -13 documents the sectarian violence perpetuated against Rohingyas in Arakan State this year.
In a seven-point statement issued by the Burmese foreign affairs ministry, the government claim they have provided “shelter, relocation and rehabilitation for the homeless victims of the conflict” and had taken the necessary steps to prevent the outbreak of further violence in the state.
Hidden Genocide filmmaker, Phil Rees said it was a challenge to make this film because the region has been largely cut off from the rest of the world.
“We made this film because the events that took place needed a forensic unpicking. We made sure that we took first hand testimony from people affected rather than relying on hearsay.”
