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May 06, 2026 – Myanmar –
A female journalist working in Myanmar’s conflict-affected Arakan (Rakhine) State has been subjected to online sexual harassment and threats, prompting a local media organisation to condemn the abuse and call for legal accountability and stronger protections for journalists working in the region.
Than Lwin Khet News, an independent media outlet, issued a public statement strongly denouncing the harassment directed at its reporter, Ma Khin Thara Phi Oo. The organisation said the journalist was targeted through social media, where abusive messages, sexualized insults, and threats were repeatedly posted from a Facebook account using a false identity. The harassment reportedly continued even after the journalist asked the individual to stop.
According to the journalist’s account, the attacker used gender-based insults and victim-blaming language, escalating the abuse beyond professional criticism into personal and sexual harassment. The messages were also allegedly posted on the media outlet’s public pages, suggesting an attempt to intimidate both the reporter and the newsroom.
The individual behind the account has reportedly been identified by the media organisation as a resident of Arakan State, though formal legal proceedings have not been confirmed. Than Lwin Khet News has called for authorities, including relevant local governance structures, to investigate the incident and take action under applicable laws addressing online harassment and threats.
The case reflects broader concerns about the safety of journalists in Myanmar, particularly women working in frontline reporting roles. Media workers in Arakan State already operate under difficult conditions shaped by armed conflict, communication restrictions, and political instability, which have significantly increased risks in both physical and digital spaces.
Press freedom groups have repeatedly warned that online harassment is becoming a growing tool of intimidation against journalists, often used to discourage reporting on sensitive topics such as conflict, governance, and human rights. In Myanmar’s broader media environment, reporters have faced arrests, threats, and legal pressure alongside rising digital abuse, creating a compounded risk landscape for independent journalism.
Media advocates in Arakan State have urged stronger safeguards, arguing that online harassment cases are frequently underreported and rarely prosecuted, leaving journalists vulnerable to sustained attacks. They also stress the need for both legal remedies and platform accountability to prevent further targeting of reporters in the region.
Reference –
https://www.bnionline.net/en/news/arakan-state-journalist-faces-online-sexual-harassment-and-threats
