Best photographic reporting from abroad requiring exceptional courage and enterprise published in any medium
AWARD DATE: 2021
AWARD NAME: The Robert Capa Gold Medal Award 2021
AWARD RECIPIENT: Anonymous
AWARD RECIPIENT AFFILIATION: Getty Images
AWARD HONORED WORK: “Myanmar in Turmoil”
AWARD SPONSOR: Getty Images
The photographer, who must remain anonymous as protection against retaliation, showed exceptional courage and dedication while documenting brutal military violence and large- scale unrest in Myanmar. Despite facing great risk as a member of the press, the photographer stayed in Yangon as the junta cut lines of communication to the outside world, arresting and killing civilians who protested the return of military rule. With powerful, sensitive coverage of fellow citizens facing the consequences of a military coup, the photographer proved the value of local expertise and vision amidst conflict.
Protesters waving red flags make three-finger salutes while riding on the back of a pickup truck on February 09, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar declared martial law in parts of the country, including its two largest cities, as massive protests continued to draw people to the streets a week after the country's military junta staged a coup against the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government and detained de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Police fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse protesters at demonstrations across the country, and at least two people were in critical condition from the injuries they sustained. Photo: Anonymous
Protesters shout slogans while carrying red flags on February 07, 2021 in downtown Yangon, Myanmar. Photo: Anonymous
Riot police and water cannon vehicles stand at a barricade as protesters approach them. Photo: Anonymous
Anti-coup protesters use slingshots and pelt stones towards approaching security forces. Photo: Anonymous
Riot police arrest anti-coup protesters on February 27, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar's military government has intensified a crackdown on protesters in recent days, using tear gas, and arresting protesters and journalists. Photo: Anonymous
Protesters defend themselves with makeshift shields during clashes with riot police. Photo: Anonymous
Protesters test Molotov cocktails on March 16, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar's military junta charged deposed de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi with accepting bribes and taking illegal payments in gold, while it also continued a brutal crackdown on a nationwide civil disobedience movement in which thousands of people have turned out in continued defiance despite tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition. Over 80 people have been killed so far according to the U.N. Photo: Anonymous
An anti-coup protester and a child who were exposed to tear gas receive oxygen from medics. Photo: Anonymous
Mourners prepare to carry the body of Aung Kaung Htet, 15, who was killed when military junta forces opened fire on anti-coup protesters, during his funeral on March 21, 2021 in Yangon.
Photo: Anonymous
A sister of Zwal Htet Soe, 26, mourns over the coffin containing his body during a funeral for protesters who were shot dead in clashes with military and police on March 05, 2021 at the Yay Way cemetery in Yangon, Myanmar. Photo: Anonymous
The body of Kyaw Htet Aung, 19, who was shot and killed in the night by security forces, lies at his home during his funeral in Dala township on March 27, 2021 in Yangon. Photo: Anonymous
A protester makes a three-finger salute in front of a row of riot police, who are holding roses given to them by protesters, on February 06, 2021 in Yangon. Photo: Anonymous
Citation for Excellence:
Anonymous
The New York Times
“Myanmar’s Coup”