An exiled Myanmar journalist’s story: Echoing public’s voice and resilience

September 26, 2026

A Myanmar journalist reflects on their dangerous work documenting human rights violations and armed conflicts following the 2021 military coup. After investigating cases involving resistance groups and military authorities, the journalist faced death threats from multiple sides, forcing them to flee to a border area with minimal belongings in April 2026. The experience caused severe psychological trauma, including insomnia, anxiety, and constant fear, leading them to question whether to abandon journalism altogether.

Who is affected

Justino, the journalist/author who faced death threats and displacement
The journalist's newsroom colleagues who received online threats
Local residents in Magway Region and Sagaing Region whose stories were being reported
Local resistance groups who were subjects of critical investigation
Journalists and human rights defenders working in Myanmar post-2021 coup
Communities affected by gold-mining activities and armed authority involvement

What action is being taken

The journalist is seeking safety in a border area after fleeing their location
The journalist is working to build psychological resilience and healthier daily habits
The journalist continues to practice journalism despite the threats
Someone associated with a resistance group is actively searching for the journalist
Military authorities are monitoring the journalist

Why it matters

This story illustrates the extreme dangers faced by journalists operating under authoritarian regimes, particularly in post-coup Myanmar where press freedom has been severely curtailed. It highlights the critical tension between the public's need for truth and accountability regarding human rights violations versus the personal safety of those who document these abuses. The journalist's experience demonstrates that threats can come from multiple directions—not only from military authorities but also from resistance groups—complicating the security landscape. The account also emphasizes the often-overlooked mental health crisis among conflict journalists, showing how psychological trauma can be as threatening to press freedom as physical danger.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices