Minn Kyaw has actively promoted democracy in Myanmar. According to media reports, he was abducted on his way to a press conference convened by Khun Nyint. Minn Kyaw says that those who arrested him claimed to be from the Malaysian Special Branch of the Royal Malaysian Police, and included at least one Burmese.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has awarded Minn Kyaw refugee status, which is unrecognised by the Malaysian authorities.

Although the Special Branch has denied any knowledge of the abduction, the Centre for Independent Journalism calls upon the Malaysian Government and the Royal Commission established to look into abuses of police powers to investigate claims of police involvement in this abduction.

While the abduction and initimidation of any person is abhorrent, the repercussions of these tactics against journalists are far-reaching. Silencing journalists, intimidating them into blocking the channels of communication further intensifies the isolation and vulnerability of already vulnerable groups, such as the Burmese refugees and migrant workers in Malaysia.

CIJ also supports Minn Kyaw in his attempt to seek assistance from both the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) and the UNHCR.

For queries or comments please contact CIJ at 03 4023 0772: