Diplomatic missions in Myanmar used the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on Monday to call attention to the country's continued detainment of journalists and restrictions on local media. "Today, no major independent printed media is operating in Myanmar, and internet shutdowns continue to be used to control news coverage, communications and access to information," said the missions.

Myanmar's reporters are continuing to expose alleged atrocities by the junta against its own people. And alongside the muzzled media, citizen journalists are taking great risks to gather information, while activists secretly publish and distribute revolutionary newsletters and pamphlets.

"What's happening in Myanmar is a humanitarian crisis of the press," said Shawn Crispin, senior Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists. "As global condemnation of the coup rose, it's becoming clear that the [military junta] want to suppress the news and to suppress coverage on what they're doing to the pro democracy demonstrators. And so they're going after the press."

As per reports, more than 80 journalists have been detained since a February 1 coup by the military, more than half of whom remain in custody,. Media companies have also been targeted through raids and having their licences revoked.

In the joint statement, signed by countries including Germany, the US, Australia and the Czech Republic, the military leaders of Myanmar were called on to release media workers, roll back internet restrictions and establish the freedom to access information.

Protests resumed on Monday, but they were not as large as those over the weekend, when at least five demonstrators were killed by soldiers in various parts of the country.

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