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Burmese
The photo named ‘Slingshots’ by Anonymous was awarded by World Press Photo in Singles category and the project named ‘Uprising in Myanmar’ was awarded in Honorable Mention category.
On 1 February 2021, Myanmar military seized the power hours before a newly elected parliament was to have been sworn in. Thousands of people protested nationwide and military crackdown brutally. More than 1000 civilians were killed in the first month after the coup. In this photo ‘Slingshots’, a group of Myanmar people are shooting slingshots against the heavily armed military.
The image highlights an emerging culture of protest in Southeast Asia, where people have historically faced high consequences for speaking out. The Myanmarese people shooting slingshots against a heavily armed military is highly symbolic and illustrate the determination of the people, who will continue to protect their democracy with whatever means available. By capturing the image from within the group, the image communicates that the photojournalist stands committed to sharing the struggle of these protestors. This visual of resistance is important and uplifting for people throughout the subregion, it encourages them to maintain hope as they engage in the daily task of fighting for democracy.
World Press Photo Jury commented
The project including 10 photos documents the first month of protest in Yangon, Myanmar. Within one week of the military coup, protests began to grow, from small group to a nationwide uprising.
The jury awarded honorable mention to this project in solidarity with both the photographers working tirelessly in Myanmar, and also photojournalists at large across the region who are battling the rise of autocracy that is eroding press freedom and people’s rightful access to democracy. Alongside the members of civil democratic movements, the photographers who are committed to creating intentional and universal works in hostile situations, should be recognized for the role they play in bringing regional challenges to the global public.
World Press Photo Jury commented
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