Myanmar Calls Media Coverage of Cyclone ‘Distorted’

Myanmar’s ruling military junta lashed out Friday at media coverage of the May 2 cyclone that devastated the country, formerly known as Burma.

An article in the state-run newspaper blasted foreign news agencies, saying reports and videos of cyclone victims not receiving aid were distorted and intended only to tarnish Myanmar’s image.

The attack came days after the military junta detained one of its own citizens, a popular comedian named Maung Thura who had been speaking out about the lack of relief aid made available to cyclone victims.

Thura, known by his stage name Zarganar, had just returned from relief efforts in the devastated Irrawaddy delta where he had been interview by foreign media. The well-known comedian and his team had been filming relief efforts, and those video records were seized along with other items when he was removed from his home.

More than 78,000 were killed in Myanmar when Cyclone Nargis hit on May 2, and 56,000 are still missing. According to U.N. officials, one million people in the region hardest hit are still without food, shelter or medical care.