BNI Multimedia Group issued the following statement on 10 February 2021 regarding the country state of emergency, the following is the text in full:

“On 1 February 2021, Tatmadaw took control over the State’s power and detained elected representatives of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and government officials.

During such an unstable political situation, it is necessary for the ethnic people around the country to get the updated and fact-based news. Hence, BNI demands not to oppress media freedom and peoples’ access to information.

Similarly, BNI urges not to limit or block the communication that can restrain the peoples’ access to information and freedom of expression (for example; internet shutdown, ban the social media and block some private television channels)

As nationwide demonstrations have been organized since 6 February 2021, BNI demands, with a deep concern, not to oppress or block the reporters in various regions who are reporting the up-to-date news about these demonstrations.

In addition, BNI requests our partner international organizations and donor organizations to stand together with BNI and media organizations in Myanmar for media freedom, peoples’ access to information and journalists’ safety.”