Myanmar regime steps up violence against journalists, NGOs says

Vienna - Journalists trying to cover the protests in Myanmar have been increasingly affected by government propaganda, censorship and violence, Reporters without Borders and the Burma Media Association said Monday.

The Myanmar government was trying to prevent journalists from doing their jobs covering the protests that began a month ago, the two organizations said in press release. At least 24 'serious violations' of the freedom to report news and information have occurred since August 19.

Pro-government media accused foreign journalists of creating unrest, and reports on articles covering protests against the rising costs of living were rejected by the censorship office, Reporters without Borders said. No visas have been granted to foreign journalists since the begin of the protests.

State-controlled media described the protesters as violent agitators, mobilized by the opposition National League for Democracy and foreign governments. The few foreign journalists working in Rangoon came from countries supporting Myanmar's military regime, the Burma Media Association said.

Reporters without Borders called on ASEAN members to increase pressure on the government in Myanmar to stop these abuses.

According to media reports, 100,000 people participated in the protests on Monday.