Beyond the Headlines
Insight Myanmar16 Aug 2024

Beyond the Headlines

Episode #260: Helene Buchholz, a journalist from Germany, ventured into the heart of Myanmar's conflict, driven by a personal mission to shed light on an underreported crisis. A radio journalist for the German public broadcasting network, Helene stepped out of her comfort zone, undergoing extensive training to prepare for the dangers that lay ahead.

In Myanmar, Helene embedded herself with the People's Defense Force (PDF), a group of civilians turned resistance fighters. These were not seasoned soldiers, but new volunteers from diverse backgrounds, unified by a shared purpose: to protect their people from the brutal military junta. Helene’s interactions were limited by strict security protocols, ensuring her safety and that of the locals who supported her.

Despite these constraints, Helene was moved by profound nature of what she observed: the resilience and determination of the PDF, trained by ethnic minority groups and motivated by a desire for freedom. Her return to Germany marked the beginning of a new phase—using her platform to raise awareness and inspire a younger audience back home.

“I'm planning to return when the junta is defeated, to celebrate on the streets,” she says, reflecting on her time here. “I will stay invested, and I will stay interested… And so even if I'm not crossing the border again, very soon, I will keep in touch with the people and maybe meet them soon again, in exile at least.”

Avsnitt(507)

Bhikkhu Bodhi on the Crisis in Myanmar

Bhikkhu Bodhi on the Crisis in Myanmar

How can a dedicated meditator maintain the five precepts when encountering armed soldiers with orders to abduct, rape, torture, or even kill? How should devoted lay supporters of the Saṅgha respond wh...

4 Juli 20211h 29min

The View From France

The View From France

In more normal times, Thiri Nandar would look for a way to balance her love of music with a spiritual practice. But the challenges of this current crisis make it impossible to either enjoy her music, ...

28 Juni 20211h 43min

Courage in Chinland

Courage in Chinland

Today we are joined by Mark, a Chin from the Zomi tribe. For Mark and his fellow Chin Christians, the military coup represents not only a loss of basic political freedoms, but also a loss of religious...

23 Juni 20211h 47min

Whatever It Takes

Whatever It Takes

Thaw Htet is juggling a lot these days: a donation platform, running two free medical clinics, and supplying defense teams. On top of this, he’s also created two anti-military Facebook pages that have...

16 Juni 20212h 24min

Act with Courage, Pray with Faith

Act with Courage, Pray with Faith

Doh Say’s life work has been leading to this moment. He became involved with the Free Burma Rangers through his longtime friendship with David Eubank, the founder of the group. The Rangers are a human...

9 Juni 20211h 39min

Gratitude and Growth

Gratitude and Growth

This is the third episode in our ongoing series “Love Letters to Myanmar.” Our recent run of longform interviews has tried to realistically portray the terror and suffering that so many Burmese people...

4 Juni 20211h 50min

Beaten but not Broken

Beaten but not Broken

When Jonathan fell to the ground, the only thing he could think to do was to somehow shield his head from the blows and kicks coming from all directions, his reflexes automatically kicking in as he tr...

30 Maj 20212h 10min

Up In Flames

Up In Flames

Nothing had ever prepared Bhikkhu Mokkhita for this--his monastery set afire, his name appearing on a blacklist and becoming the focus on a manhunt. Somehow, he made it through the numerous police che...

24 Maj 20212h 28min

Populärt inom Politik & nyheter

aftonbladet-krim
motiv
p3-krim
rss-krimstad
fordomspodden
spar
flashback-forever
rss-viva-fotboll
aftonbladet-daily
blenda-2
svenska-fall
rss-sanning-konsekvens
rss-vad-fan-hande
olyckan-inifran
rss-krimreportrarna
dagens-eko
svd-dokumentara-berattelser-2
rss-frandfors-horna
svd-ledarredaktionen
rss-aftonbladet-krim