Female journalist in Arakan State faces sexual harassment, threats

By Admin 04 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

4 May 2026, Mrauk-U

Than Lwin Khet News, an exile media outlet, issued a statement on May 3 condemning sexual harassment and threats against one of its female ground reporters based in Arakan State.

The journalist, Ma Khin Thara Phi Oo, was subjected to sexual and physical threats online by a Facebook user operating under the name “Twan Lynn Thein.”

“The problem I am facing is not only because I am a journalist. I was deliberately targeted with insults related to my gender and the fact that I speak Burmese. When I asked him to stop, I continued to see more obscene language, victim-blaming questions, and comments on the Than Lwin Khet News page,” she said.

The alleged perpetrator has been identified as Ko Tun Linn Thein from Theintaung Ward, Nagaywa Village-tract, in the Panmyaung area of Arakan State.

Than Lwin Khet News has called on the United League of Arakan and Arakan Army to take legal action, stating that the acts constitute a criminal offense of sexual harassment.

Ma Khin Thara Phi Oo is a journalist with about 10 years of experience reporting ground news from Arakan State.

The outlet also urged the public to oppose and condemn threats against journalists who continue to report despite serious risks, highlighting the vulnerability of female reporters.

“We can no longer remain silent. I urge women’s organizations and society to work together to ensure effective action is taken. We must act together to eliminate such abuses and create a safe environment for women,” she added.

Than Lwin Khet News said it is collecting evidence to file complaints with international media protection organizations.

May 3 marks World Press Freedom Day, which recognizes the importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.

Women in Arakan State are calling on relevant authorities to take effective action against those responsible for threats and sexual harassment.