October 28, 2024
Two journalists detained by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) — Ko Tar Lin Maung of Red News Agency and freelance journalist Ko Naung Yo — were released, October 27, around noon, according to sources.
They had been detained by KIA forces on September 29 and 30, and their families and close contacts confirmed their release. “They were freed today around 12 o’clock. Ko Tar Lin Maung is reachable, but we still haven’t been able to contact Ko Naung Yo due to the poor signal in the Hpakant area,” said Ko Win Zaw Naing from Red News Agency.
Efforts are ongoing to establish direct contact with both journalists, given the current communication challenges in the Hpakant region.
In response to their detention, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA) called for their immediate release on October 23.
