Media

Myanmar’s media has become another victim of the country’s civil war

Published

1 year ago

September 14, 2023

This Karenni soldier in Myanmar, and the video journalist filming him, were injured last October when a homemade rifle-propelled grenade exploded prematurely during a test-firing. Myanmar is mired in conflict between a military junta, which seized power in 2021, and ethnic militias like the Karenni.Siegfried Modola/The Globe and Mail

After the Myanmar military overthrew the country’s democratically elected government in February, 2021, journalists there braced for an inevitable crackdown. Many had lived through an earlier period of junta rule, when independent media were forced into exile and dozens of reporters jailed or even killed.

Sure enough, within weeks, the military began banning publications and arresting reporters, as it struggled to control a country exploding into a civil war that drags on 2½ years later.

Today, the junta only controls an estimated 50 per cent of Myanmar, mostly major population centres, while fighting ethnic militias and peoples’ defence forces allied with the parallel National Unity Government (NUG). In areas that the military holds, however, it has stepped up its crackdown on the media, searching for journalists feeding stories to exile outlets based in neighbouring Thailand.

“They’ve been picking them off one by one,” said Shawn Crispin, senior Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). “The regime has decimated independent reporting inside the country.”

While many journalists remained in Myanmar after the coup, determined to try and hold the military to account and cover the growing conflict, Mr. Crispin said there have been increasing numbers fleeing to Thailand as the situation has become more and more dangerous.

As well, foreign media have largely been forced out of Myanmar since the coup, except for tightly choreographed press tours, or dangerous visits to territory held by anti-junta forces. In late 2022, photojournalist Siegfried Modola crossed over from Thailand on assignment from The Globe and Mail, spending four days with the rebel Karenni Army. Last week, Mr. Modola won the prestigious Visa d’or News award for his work, which provided a rare glimpse into what life is like in war-racked parts of the country.

A Karenni soldier fires his weapon during fierce clashes against units of Myanmar’s military on April 17, 2023, in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar (Burma). This Karenni soldier was less thna 30 meters away from the enemy positions and the intense gun fight lasted for over three hours, until sun down.Siegfried Modola

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Bullet holes pierce the front screen of a vehicle belonging to a unit of Karenni soldiers during clashes with Myanmar’s military, on April 16, 2023, in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. After a large-scale offensive in March that saw the junta trying to dislodge Karenni fighters from their strongholds achieved limited results, the regime now appears focused on seizing control of the state main’s roads and strategic junctions to potentially choke resistance groups from fighting.Siegfried Modola

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Karenni soldiers take shelter inside a drainage ditch as a mortar shell explodes close by during heavy clashes on April 16, 2023, in the village of Daw Nyay Khu, in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. Several mortar shells landed a few minutes apart, injuring one Karenni soldier, as others took shelter in this ditch.Siegfried Modola

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A Karenni commander removes the spent cartridge of a 40mm grenade from a grendade launcher attached to his AK47 assault rifle during intense clashes against units of Myanmar’s military on April 17, 2023 in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. The control of Kayah is of great importance to the regime as it will allow it to divide the resistance. However, the junta has struggled to cut off resistance supply lines and prevent Karenni fighters from threatening the state’s key strategic locations.Siegfried Modola

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Men attend to a critically injured Karenni soldier during clashes with Myanmar’s military on April 22, 2023, in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. The soldier was shot during a close-range gunfight with the junta inside a forested area. The bullet pierced his liver, but he allegedly survived after being treated by paramedics and then transported to a Karenni military field hospital.Siegfried Modola

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A former Karenni soldier who lost both legs after stepping on a landmine is being helped by his friend in a rehabilitation centre on October 17, 2022, in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. Many victims of landmine explosions end up at this centre, built in a secret location for fear of air strikes by Tatmadaw forces. With antipersonnel landmines banned since 1997, it’s a flagrant breach of international law that the Tatmadaw has placed mines on a large scale in and around towns, villages, rice paddies and urban areas. They’ve killed and wounded countless soldiers and civilians and will make it impossible for thousands of internally displaced people to return home.Siegfried Modola/The Globe and Mail

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Children mourn their father, who was killed during clashes with the military junta, during his funeral on October 29, 2022, in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. Most of Kayah state’s population is already displaced and urgently needs assistance, with reports indicating a severe shortage of food and medicine.Siegfried Modola/The Globe and Mail

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Children hide in their school bomb shelter during an emergency drill in case of mortar shelling by government forces based a few kilometres from their town, on October 24, 2022, Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. The children do regular emergency drills in case of an attack as their town has been bombed three times in one year.Siegfried Modola/The Globe and Mail

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Displaced civilians flee to the border with Thailand in eastern Kayah state, Myanmar, on April 05, 2023. Thousands of civilians have left their homes, not knowing if they will ever be able to come back since the start of the war.Siegfried Modola

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Displaced civilians flee to the border with Thailand during the night of April 05, 2023, in eastern Kayah state, Myanmar. Their village had been attacked, and most homes burnt by the military.Siegfried Modola

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Karenni soldiers fighting against the Tatmadaw armed forces stand on an outcrop overlooking a valley on October 09, 2022, in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. Kayah state lies in a highly strategic area of the country, serving as a bridge between resistance strongholds to the south and north. It borders Thailand to the east—a source of weapons and other supplies and Shan State in the north, where the country’s most powerful armed groups operate.Siegfried Modola/The Globe and Mail

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Schoolchildren have lunch during a feeding programme organised by a local women’s group on October 05, 2022, in a camp for the internally displaced near Demoso town, Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. Whether the Karenni resistance can sustain the fight will depend, in large part, on its ability to see the population through a worsening humanitarian crisis.Siegfried Modola/The Globe and Mail

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A steady stream of recruits undergo three months of training at one of the Karenni Army’s main bases close to the border with Thailand on September 21, 2022, in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. Karenni soldiers have remained motivated, fighting to defend their families and homes.Siegfried Modola/The Globe and Mail

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Karenni soldiers fighting Myanmar’s military wash in a stream during a four-day march from the border with Thailand to the centre of Kayah state on September 29, 2022, in eastern Myanmar. Local fighters benefit from their knowledge of the terrain, making it easier to launch surprise ambushes and escape junta attacks.Siegfried Modola/The Globe and Mail

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Karenni soldiers display weapons and ammunition taken from the enemy during fierce clashes with Myanmar’s military on April 21, 2023, in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. On the same day, the unit’s commander sold the entire cache of confiscated weapons and ammunition to another allied armed group fighting against the military to secure funds to purchase a four-wheel drive vehicle for his own men.Siegfried Modola

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Karenni soldiers walk towards burning homes moments after multiple airstrikes in the village of Daw Nyah Khu, on April 17, 2023, in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. With air and artillery support, junta columns attacked from the north and south, destroying several villages. However, a Karenni counter-attack in late March inflicted heavy losses on junta units, which were forced to withdraw from the area. Karenni soldiers kept assaulting and pushing back the regime’s positions in April and May.Siegfried Modola

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Ashes are left from the remains of homes burnt by Myanmar’s military, on April 14, 2023, in Daw Ta Ma Gyi village in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. Regime forces have been conducting punishment attacks, sending units of well-armed soldiers, about one hundred strong, burning villages, attacking resistance bases, and killing civilians —a deliberate campaign of atrocities aimed to bring the cost of the resistance to the civilian population.Siegfried Modola

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Karenni soldiers walk next to the body of a soldier from Myanmar’s military after fierce clashes between the two groups on April 18, 2023, in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. One of the primary attacks by regime forces during the March offensive in Kayah State focused on the area around Daw Ta Ma Gyi in Demoso Township—a Karenni resistance stronghold.Siegfried Modola

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A homemade rifle-propelled grenade explodes prematurely as a Karenni soldier test fires the weapon on October 03, 2022, near Demoso in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. The soldier and a video journalist filming the scene were wounded by shrapnel in the incident.Siegfried Modola/The Globe and Mail

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Karenni soldiers fighting Myanmar’s military cross a river during a four-day from near the border with Thailand to the centre of Kayah state on September 27, 2022, in eastern Myanmar. The soldiers carry the bare essentials in small waterproof backpacks including a blanket, a hammock, utensils, a metal container for cooking, and some rice, chillies and dried sardines, which are light to carry and pack lots of energy.Siegfried Modola/The Globe and Mail

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According to CPJ and Reporters sans frontières (RSF), more than 60 journalists are currently imprisoned in Myanmar. This figure is likely an underestimation as many outlets do not report the jailing of their staff as they attempt to negotiate their release. Since the coup, Myanmar has plummeted to the bottom of RSF’s 2023 World Press Freedom Index, sitting at 173 out of 180, alongside countries such as Eritrea and Syria.

This month, Myanmar Now photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike was sentenced to 20 years in prison on charges including “spreading misinformation,” after he was arrested while reporting on the impact of Cyclone Mocha. His sentence is the longest any journalist has received since the 2021 coup, and “yet another indication that freedom of the press has been completely quashed under the military junta’s rule,” said Swe Win, editor-in-chief of Myanmar Now.

Myanmar Now is one of several larger independent media outlets continuing to cover the country from exile, along with The Irrawaddy news group and the Democratic Voice of Burma. Many smaller publications that sprang up during Myanmar’s brief period of openness have struggled to survive however, bled of funds and staff, and facing increasing difficulties.

Most exiled journalists are based in Thailand, as they were during the previous period of junta rule. But while Bangkok was supportive in the past, Mr. Crispin expressed concern that the current Thai government has remained close to military leaders in the capital of Naypyidaw, and may be willing to rein in independent Myanmar media.

“My understanding is that the junta regime is pressuring the Thais not to allow this,” he said. “You have to wonder how viable this model is going to be,” of being based in Thailand.

Since seizing power, the Myanmar junta has not shied away from jailing foreigners. In May, 2021, U.S. citizen Danny Fenster, who worked for the banned publication Frontier Myanmar, was detained as he was about to fly home and later sentenced to 11 years in prison. Mr. Fenster was released in November that year after negotiations led by the late Bill Richardson, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Four other foreign journalists have been detained and subsequently released since the coup: American Nathan Maung; Robert Bociaga of Poland; and Japanese reporters Toru Kubota and Yuki Kitazumi.

Mr. Kubota was freed in November as part of a mass prisoner amnesty for Myanmar’s national day, along with Australian academic Sean Turnell, a one-time adviser to deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and former British ambassador to Myanmar Vicky Bowman.

The worsening situation has created “news black holes” in Myanmar, said Mr. Crispin. “It’s an intentional campaign to crush the media and scare the rest, and make sure there are very few cameras or witnesses to the crimes the regime is committing on a daily basis.”

Facing international sanctions, the junta has been seeking rehabilitation in recent months, moving Ms. Suu Kyi – who is said to be in poor health – to house arrest, and planning for elections designed to legitimize military rule. Voting was due to take place in August but was postponed to February next year after the government extended a state of emergency.

In a posted statement, Canada’s embassy to Myanmar said it was “deeply concerned” by this, adding the extension only prolongs “the regime’s illegitimate rule over Myanmar.” It said Ottawa “continues to unequivocally condemn the coup against the democratically elected government and supports the people and their democratic aspirations in the face of brutality and egregious international human rights and humanitarian law violations.”

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What to stream this weekend: ‘Civil War,’ Snow Patrol, ‘How to Die Alone,’ ‘Tulsa King’ and ‘Uglies’

Published

4 days ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.

— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.

— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”

— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.

— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

NEW SHOWS TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.

— Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.

— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.

— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.

— Alicia Rancilio

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.

— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.

— Lou Kesten

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Trump could cash out his DJT stock within weeks. Here’s what happens if he sells

Published

4 weeks ago

August 23, 2024

Harry Miller

Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.

Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.

Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.

Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.

Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.

Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.

Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.

As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.

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Arizona man accused of social media threats to Trump is arrested

Published

4 weeks ago

August 23, 2024

Harry Miller

Cochise County, AZ — Law enforcement officials in Arizona have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Cochise County, after a manhunt was launched following alleged death threats he made against former President Donald Trump. The threats reportedly surfaced in social media posts over the past two weeks, as Trump visited the US-Mexico border in Cochise County on Thursday.

Syvrud, who hails from Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was captured by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating, “This subject has been taken into custody without incident.”

In addition to the alleged threats against Trump, Syvrud is wanted for multiple offences, including failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces several warrants in both Wisconsin and Arizona, including charges for driving under the influence and a felony hit-and-run.

The timing of the arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to Cochise County, where he toured the US-Mexico border. During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing border issues and criticized his political rival, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for what he described as lax immigration policies. When asked by reporters about the ongoing manhunt for Syvrud, Trump responded, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”

This incident marks the latest in a series of threats against political figures during the current election cycle. Just earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials.