April 20, 2021

The Japan P.E.N Club on April 19 released a statement in protest against the unjust detention of a Japanese freelance journalist, Kitazumi Yuki, by the Myanmar security forces, demanding that he be freed immediately.

Kitazumi, who resides in Myanmar, has covered and reported on what is happening in the nation since the military coup was carried out.

The Japan PEN statement points out that Kitazumi has enjoyed a high level of recognition worldwide as a journalist, and criticizes the military coup for “violently reversing” Myanmar’s democratization process.

In addition, the statement urges the Japanese government to do the maximum possible to secure Kitazumi’s safety.

Past related articles:
> JCP demands that gov’t declare its position of not accepting military rule in Myanmar [March 28, 2021]
> JCP denounces Myanmar's military coup [February 1, 2021]