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 In recognition of the struggle for freedom of expression under an oppressive military regime in Burma , the International Press Institute has awarded the "Free Media Pioneer 2007" to Mizzima News, a Burmese news agency.
The award is a symbol of the honour and recognition to all Burmese journalists, who are fighting relentlessly for freedom of the press in Burma, said Sein Win, Managing Editor of Mizzima, who received the award in Istanbul, Turkey. "We are honoured by this award but most importantly this award is an honour to all Burmese journalists fighting for freedom of expression under military rule in Burma ," Sein Win said. The Burmese military junta, which has ruled the country since 1962, in order to maintain its stranglehold on power, has crushed and trampled the free press underfoot. Measures to control the press, restrict freedom of expression and censorship touched a new high after the present military dictators came to power in September 1988. While putting in place curbs on Internet access, the junta has made publishing any unauthorized material a criminal offence. Besides installing new phone tapping devices, the junta also cracks down on people who provide information to foreign news outlets. To vitiate matters the junta has also trained agents in the Military Security Force to identify and arrest foreign media "informants" to ensure that no uncensored information is disseminated. "We chose Mizzima because they provide reliable news about what happens in Burma and they convey this news and information through various media outlets like the Internet, a journal and other media," said Michael Kudlak, Congress Coordinator of the IPI in Istanbul. Mizzima News, founded in August 1998 by a group of Burmese journalists in exile, in close cooperation with a few independent journalists inside Burma, has continued to provide accurate and timely news and information on Burma. Mizzima is committed to promoting international awareness of the situation in Burma and promoting freedom of expression in the country.  The news organisation believes that the award will encourage more Burmese journalists to challenge the limits of censorship and restrictions on freedom of expression that the junta has imposed. 
The news organisation believes that the award will encourage more Burmese journalists to challenge the limits of censorship and restrictions on freedom of expression that the junta has imposed. "We believe that this award will encourage young journalists to come forward and carry on the struggle for freedom of expression in Burma," Sien Win said. In handing over the award, Michael Kudlak set out a challenge to the country's journalist. "Burmese journalists will have to continue the fight against the restrictions on freedom of expression as Burma ranks among the lowest in press freedom in the world," he said. "Burmese journalists have to persevere and make sure that news and information on Burma continues to be brought to the attention of the international community," Kudlak added.
Note: Previous winners of the Free Media Pioneer Award are: Yemen Times (2006); SW Radio Africa, UK (2005); the Central Asia and Southern Caucasian Freedom of Expression Network - CASCFEN (2004); the Media Council of Tanzania (2003); the independent daily newspaper Danas, Serbia (2002); the independent on-line newspaper Malaysiakini.com, Malaysia (2001); the Press and Society Institute - IPYS, Peru (2000); the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists’ Association - EFJA (1999); Radio B-92, Yugoslavia (1998); the Alliance of Independent Journalists - AJI, Indonesia (1997); and NTV, Russia (1996).
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