Burma - crackdown - military junta
Crackdown in the heart of Burma
Friday 12 October 2007
In November 2008, the Association of International Broadcasting (AIB) awarded two prizes to France 24: for reporting in Burma in October 2007 by Cyril Payen, Solomon Kane and Paul Rush and for our multimedia approach to news coverage.
Special Report Crackdown on Burmese protestsFriday 12 October 2007
By Cyril PAYEN (text) / Cyril PAYEN - Paul RUSH - Solomon KANE (video)27 September - Defying threats and warnings from the hardline military junta, angry protestors took to the streets of Rangoon. Memories of the 1988 crackdown have done little to deter the thousands marching through Burma's cities in 2007.
A reporter with links to undergound networks managed to make his way into Rangoon and witnessed a day of tragic events. For security reasons, his identity has been concealed.
The protests, aimed at ending 40 years of repression, are the biggest challenge of the junta in nearly 20 years.
During a crackdown on anti-government protestors, the junta unleashed baton charges, tear gas and live rounds. A Japanese journalist Kenji Nagai was shot down and succumbed to his wounds soon after.
Protestors across the street were heard screaming "You can't kill us all! We're going to fight to the very end", People want democracy."
Many protestors broke away from the crowds but were soon cornered as the junta began firing live shots. They're prepared to die "Pray! pray to conquer the fear of death!"
Pour aller plus loin
16/11/2008 20:12:29 Alert a moderator
Burma by Rush
By Anonyme - USA/Fernandina
Congratulations on finding such an astute reporter as Mr. Rush. The film was moving and terrifying at the same time! Please continue to keep us informed on Burma’s struggle for freedom. It has implications for the entire world, although the world has not yet awakened to it.
16/11/2008 19:52:10 Alert a moderator
Burma coverage
By Anonyme - USA/Tampa
I followed this story when it came out and was deeply moved by the footage in Rangoon. Mr. Rush's footage on the ground was terrifying. I have just become an American citizen. This report reminded me of all the libeousrties we take for granted in the west. Excellent work. Please continue to keep us informed from the inside.
15/11/2008 05:15:13 Alert a moderator
AIB Praise for Crackdown in the Heart of Burma
By Lucy - Paris
What AIB judges had to say about Crackdown in the Heart of Burma:
"The judges felt this was an extremely "good watch", as well as being fast-paced, emotional, sensitive and visceral in delivery. The undercover footage from demonstrations was extraordinary and was truly an example of brave journalism. The on-the-spot report was immediately gripping and put the viewer at the centre of the action."
14/11/2008 05:08:10 Alert a moderator
Great Work!
By Patoufle Bouteflika - London
Paul Rush's coverage of the events in Rangoon is absolutely gripping, and a powerful reminder of how perilous the path to freedom of expression, and democracy, is for the Burmese people. Thank you for this reporting, and to Mr. Rush, and France 24, for this on-the-spot coverage of an historic event.
13/11/2008 14:14:08 Alert a moderator
burma
By Anonyme joseph walker - sherborne dorset
However admirable your reporters intentions ,i am afraid the burmese people in the protest will suffer,and people ,nothing has changed since the 2nd world war.only burma has isolated herself, more ,due to the lack of the western interest,.it is of no importance to our western leaders.only what finacial possibilities if they are involved.burma a forgotten part of history.