Swe Win, the chief correspondent for news outlet Myanmar Now, received a commendation this morning in Naypyitaw for his reporting on the yearslong abuse suffered by two domestic maids in downtown Yangon.
Because of his story and social media pressure, the women returned home and several members of the family, who owned a tailor shop on 40th street, have been arrested.
The case has also raised questions about accountability after it was revealed that the national human rights commission helped negotiate a settlement between the suspects and the victims.
Commission members have denied any wrongdoing despite activists having launched a petition calling for them to resign.
Minister of Information Pe Myint presided over the ceremony, but the commendation came directly from the president’s office.