Since the February Coup, the total number of journalists detained by the State Administration Council has reached 41, according to the lists compiled by local reporters.

Most of the independent media have been forced into hiding, and operate as an underground press.

On March 19, the authorities arrested BBC-Burmese reporter Ko Aung Thura and former reporter Ko Than Htike Aung from the now-defunct Mizzima News Agency in Nay Pyi Taw, and one freelance reporter in Bhamo Township in Kachin State.

An eyewitness said: “The people in mufti took Ko Aung Thura and Ko Than Htike Aung in the front of the court in Nay Pyi Taw.”

In addition, security forces arrested a freelance reporter in Bhamo Township in Kachin State on March 19 while taking photos. It is still unknown where he is being detained.

According to the BBC-Burmese, it is still unknown where Ko Aung Thura and Ko Than Hike Aung are being detained.

On March 1, security forces arrested DVB reporter Ko Aung Kyaw in Myeik Township. The family of Ko Aung Kyaw is demanding a meeting with him.

The Ambassadors to Myanmar from the Delegation of the EU and European Union Member States with presence in Myanmar issued a statement on March 19th, saying that “We support the right of the people of Myanmar to protest peacefully and support their right to freely access information. Internet blackouts and the suppression of the media will not hide the military’s abhorrent actions.”

The Ambassadors to Myanmar from the Delegation of the EU (European Union) member states with a presence in Myanmar are: Denmark, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden; the United Kingdom; and the United States.

Five of 41 detained reporters are females. The authorities have released 22 reporters, charged 11 and detained 19. Since the military coup, the SAC revoked the licenses of five media organizations and charged one new agency.